Air France-KLM is enhancing its business automation strategy by empowering its current RPA bots to operate independently using agentic AI technology. This move aims to elevate the efficiency of the bots, which currently handle rule-based tasks with human supervision.
With approximately 170 RPA bots deployed across the organization, Air France-KLM saved 200,000 hours of manual work last year by automating repetitive tasks previously performed by humans. The next phase involves transitioning these bots to the cloud to leverage agentic AI capabilities provided by UiPath, the airline’s automation software supplier.
Unlike traditional RPA bots that excel in structured data and predefined workflows, agentic AI utilizes advanced language models and external tools to handle unstructured data and make autonomous decisions. This evolution will enable the bots to self-correct errors and operate with greater flexibility, ushering in a new era of automation.
Babar Khan, leading the automation center of excellence for KLM, emphasized the shift towards agentic AI, envisioning increased time savings and the application of RPA to more complex tasks. The implementation of this technology is set to commence in early 2026 following the cloud migration of the bots.
The journey into automation began in Air France-KLM’s finance department in 2016, gradually expanding to other business functions. A notable success story is Homer, an HR bot streamlining employee statement creation and saving 31 admin hours monthly. Similarly, bots like Casper in cargo handling and flight handover processing have significantly reduced manual hours, showcasing the tangible benefits of automation.
While the numbers speak volumes about the efficiency gains, Khan acknowledged the challenge of driving adoption across business units. By fostering awareness and transparent communication, the automation team aims to alleviate concerns about job displacement and ensure a smooth transition to automated processes.
As Air France-KLM embraces agentic AI to empower its RPA bots, the airline is poised to unlock new levels of automation and operational efficiency. The evolution towards autonomous decision-making reflects a strategic shift towards a more agile and responsive business model.
