It is important to the Netherlands that airline KLM remains a financially independent operation within the Air France-KLM combine, junior transport minister Wilma Mansveld told MPs on Tuesday.

The minister was responding to questions from Christian Democrat MPs about rumours that more of KLM’s financial management is to be moved to France.

The cabinet is following developments in the air travel industry closely, Mansveld said, and holds regular meetings with executives.

However, the Dutch state, which directly owns 5.9% of the shares in KLM, has limited influence, Mansveld said.

KLM’s continued independence is important because it gives the airline more influence on the development of its Schiphol airport network, the minister said. This network is important for international mobility, jobs and the Dutch economy, and this is why guarantees were made at the time of the merger in 2004, she told MPs

Air France-KLM is due to present plans to improve its performance next month.