Armelle Comte, how did you access the aviation industry?

By coincidence. I was looking for a temporary job in London while still studying. Air France’s call center was expanding and seeking telephone sales agents fluent in Spanish.

I applied and got the position. Aviation wasn’t my passion then, but thanks to Air France, it became one.

What do you like most about your job?

First, I represent a beautiful and respected premium airline brand, and it’s important to work for a company whose values I share.

What I enjoy most about my job is my team – their commitment is invaluable. As an airline, we must constantly reinvent ourselves to delight our customers and make their journeys as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Every day is a new adventure.

Technology and digitization are now in full use everywhere. To what extent does Air France include Artificial Intelligence (AI) in its offering?

AI is at the heart of Air France’s innovation strategy. We use it to optimize flight operations, predict maintenance needs, and reduce fuel consumption through eco-piloting.

And for customers?

AI powers smart chatbots, multilingual assistance, and personalized services, while internally, tools like TALIA help employees work more efficiently.

With our dedicated AI Factory and over 80 generative AI projects underway, Air France is leveraging technology to deliver safer, smarter, and more sustainable travel experiences.

What services does Air France offer to business travelers based in Switzerland?

We offer a comprehensive premium experience focused on efficiency and comfort. From priority services at the airport and access to elegant lounges, to lie-flat seats, gourmet dining, and Clarins wellness kits onboard, every detail embodies French hospitality.

«By this summer, most of our fleet will offer high-speed Wi-Fi, free for all Flying Blue members, thanks to our partnership with Starlink.»

Many aircraft feature sliding doors in Business Class for enhanced privacy. By this summer, most of our fleet will offer high-speed Wi-Fi, free for all Flying Blue members, thanks to our partnership with Starlink.

Corporate clients benefit from services such as Bluebiz, providing flexible booking, cost control, and rewards. With connections through Paris to over 200 destinations worldwide, Air France ensures Swiss professionals travel with convenience, style, and peace of mind.

Flying via Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to overseas destinations, what amenities does Air France’s business class lounge offer?

Guests enjoy gourmet French cuisine curated by renowned chefs, premium wine and champagne bars, wellness amenities, spa treatments, and shower suites.

Designed for both relaxation and productivity, the lounges feature quiet zones, co-working spaces, high-speed Wi-Fi, and elegant interiors with runway views – creating a refined environment.

Air France and KLM merged in 2004 to form the Air France-KLM Group (AF/KLM), one of Europe’s largest airline groups, with two brands and hubs (Paris-CDG and Amsterdam-Schiphol). What are the benefits for business travelers?

The partnership offers Swiss business travelers unparalleled flexibility and connectivity. Together, we provide access to an extensive global network of over 300 destinations, coordinated schedules through hubs in Paris and Amsterdam, and seamless transfers.

Corporate clients benefit from unified programs like Bluebiz and Flying Blue, ensuring consistent rewards, priority services, and lounge access across both airlines.

This cooperation means more flight options, optimized travel times, and a premium experience from booking to arrival.

This year AF/KLM will acquire the majority in the Scandinavian carrier SAS. To what extent will customers benefit?

The planned majority stake in SAS will expand our combined network across Northern Europe, offering more destinations and better connectivity through hubs in Paris, Amsterdam, and Scandinavia.

Travelers will enjoy harmonized schedules, integrated loyalty benefits via Flying Blue, and access to additional lounges and priority services.

What are Air France’s plans in Switzerland this year?

We are increasing our capacity from Zurich while maintaining the same frequencies from Geneva and Basel, allowing us to offer more seats to Swiss travelers.

«We are increasing our capacity from Zurich.»

We also aim to expand our corporate client base and position ourselves, alongside KLM, as the best alternative to the national carrier.

Finally, we plan to engage more customers in our corporate SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) program, helping companies reduce CO₂ emissions from business travel. Individual travelers can also contribute via our extra SAF fares.

Which Air France/KLM destination is still on your bucket list?

We launched Phuket in Thailand last November with three weekly flights, and I’m considering taking my family there.

Armelle Comte joined Air France almost 20 years ago in London. In 2011 she moved to Switzerland, where she first took over the role as a corporate sales manager, including Liechtenstein. Based in Geneva, she subsequently became the country sales manager in September 2023.