Air France

Nathalie Larivet

When Nathalie Larivet first stepped into Air France back in 1996, she probably could not have imagined just how deeply intertwined her career would become with the airline’s evolution over the next twenty-five years.

Starting out in product and partnership management, Larivet quickly made waves by pioneering the launch of France’s very first co-branded credit card with American Express. Navigating complex negotiations with heavyweights like Accor, Hertz and Credit Lyonnais, she demonstrated an early knack for blending innovation with strategic partnerships. She even helped launch a similar co-branded card in Japan, signalling her ability to think beyond borders and tailor solutions for diverse markets.

From these early wins, Larivet’s career took her to the heart of marketing and loyalty. Leading a team focused on the French market, she developed campaigns and loyalty programs that resonated with both consumers and businesses. The creation of ‘Voyageur Rewards,’ a loyalty program specifically designed for small and medium-sized enterprises, was a clear sign of her dedication to personalised customer experiences and business growth.

However, Larivet’s journey was far from linear. As the airline world grew more complex, she moved into a role that would define much of her future — procurement and distribution. Between 2004 and 2010, she undertook the challenge of redesigning Air France’s global ticket distribution system. Negotiating with giants like Amadeus, she pushed through new distribution models and IT solutions that kept Air France at the forefront of a rapidly digitising industry.

When she became a Global Account Manager in 2010, Larivet’s role expanded even further. Suddenly, she was coordinating teams across 25 countries, handling key corporate client relationships and fine-tuning travel expense negotiations for major airlines in the Air France-KLM group. This global exposure sharpened her understanding of balancing customer demands with the airline’s strategic goals.

Her leadership skills blossomed even more when she took charge of commercial operations in French Guiana. Managing a team of 22, Larivet developed a commercial strategy that reflected the unique market dynamics of the French departments in America. She built the groundwork for future regional integration, proving her ability to lead through complexity and change.

Back in Paris, Larivet took on the challenge of managing distribution for some of the world’s biggest airlines. Overseeing everything from trade policies to negotiations with travel management companies and online agencies, she ensured that the customer’s journey was seamless from booking to boarding. Her team implemented new technology models that would shape the industry’s future.

Then came her time as country manager in South America — a role that tested her adaptability and resilience. Based in Buenos Aires, Larivet worked tirelessly to strengthen Air France-KLM’s presence across Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay. When the pandemic struck, disrupting global air travel, she played a critical role in pivoting operations to focus on cargo and repatriation flights, underscoring her commitment to service even in crisis.

Today, Larivet leads Air France’s inflight catering procurement from the heart of Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport. It is here that her passion for French gastronomy meets her strategic mindset. She collaborates closely with top chefs and culinary experts to deliver the finest, most sustainable meals to travellers worldwide. Her emphasis on seasonal ingredients and expanding vegetarian options reflect a modern approach to in-flight dining, one that honours tradition while embracing environmental responsibility.

Larivet’s career is a story of evolution — from creative partnership launches to high-stakes procurement and global leadership. Along the way, she has balanced innovation with operational rigour, always putting people and quality at the centre. Her journey mirrors the changing skies Air France navigates every day, marked by resilience, adaptability and a clear vision for the future.