Ben Smith became the CEO of Air France-KLM in 2018, stepping into a challenging environment with skepticism about his potential for success. Despite the initial doubts, his leadership has led to significant financial improvements that have quieted most of his critics. He emphasizes the importance of social peace within the company and has introduced plans for new destinations as part of a broader vision for growth and competitiveness. In a recent event in Paris, Smith conveyed his ambitions for the group, expressing hopes to acquire one or two new airlines within the next year, with a clear focus on increasing Air France-KLM's control over Scandinavian Airlines (SAS). By aiming to raise Air France-KLM's stake to 60% from the current 19.9%, he is strategically positioning the group to enhance its market presence and operate more effectively in a competitive landscape. This transformation under Smith’s leadership has included not only financial restructuring but also cultural shifts within the organization that emphasize collaboration and engagement among staff. As the airline industry continues to recover from the disruptions caused by the pandemic, Smith’s strategies may well be pivotal in redefining Air France-KLM’s identity and operational success in the near future.