The recovery is well and truly underway for Air France, as Henri de Peyrelongue, Executive Vice President Commercial Sales Air France-KLM and Henri Hourcade, Executive Vice President France Air France-KLM indicated at IFTM Top Resa. Traffic is almost at its pre-covid passenger level, as is the offer. " In North America, supply is even greater than in 2019with the reopening of Newark this winter with daily flights and the densification of existing routes." says Henri de Peyrelongue.
He also points out that the number of flights to the French West Indies, the Indian Ocean, the Middle East and India is increasing. Capacities remain similar to those for the summer of 2022 for Africa. But they continue to be lower for Asia.. However, according to the General Sales Manager, this situation is essentially due to the continued closure of China.
Good progress for the last quarter of 2022
On the French market, Henri Hourcade explains that, for the time being, bookings are such that we can expect a solid 4th quarter.. " While the business market is still lagging behind, the general trend remains positive. The desire to travel is there and we're adapting" he describes. Commenting on the business market, Henri Hourcade sees steady but slow growth. " Last March/April we were at 60% or 65%. a recovery in passenger numbers compared with 2019. We are at around 70% at the end of September" he analyses.
Boosting business traffic will certainly be one of the major projects for 2023. both in terms of supply and products. Line capacity will keep pace with demand, particularly on European routes. " We will therefore continue to serve the high-demand markets of Southern Europe, while adding a number of leisure destinations this winter, including Finland, Norway, Innsbruck and Salzburg. We are adapting our frequencies to Central and Northern Europe, which are more dependent on business traffic.says Henri Hourcade.
On the domestic front, the airline will continue to offer shuttle services from Paris-Orly to Marseille, Nice and Toulouse, as well as services to Corsica and the regions/CDG and regions/Orly routes. In Lyon, three daily slots at the hub connect 12 cities.
Intermodality goes digital
" We are also working on two products likely to improve our appeal to business travellers: intermodality with the SNCF and improving the on-board product." adds Henri Hourcade. In terms of intermodality, Air France and SNCF are offering an air/rail product departing from 18 stations. But the big news is the digitisation of end-to-end journeys from mid-November. " Passengers will be able to check in from home with their baggage for a combined train and plane journey. This will make this type of option even easier." explains the General Manager for France. However, there are as yet no plans to check in baggage at the departure station, so passengers will be free of any constraints. " There are problems on these routes that are still incompatible with the level of safety or the infrastructure." explains Henri Hourcade.
Focus on Premium classes
Another project that should attract business customers is thehe launch of the new Business Class and Premium Economy products on the long-haul fleet. "We are spending a lot of money to offer a product with the best comfort in the industry. 100% aircraft in the long-haul fleet will be configured with a 2-metre "full-flat bed" seat by the end of 2023. While our new Economy Premium seat with its 119° recline is gradually being rolled out across the fleet. We have also rethought the culinary offer on board in Eco Premium", says Henri Hourcade. The strategy is to drive traffic towards a premium segment and higher revenue per passenger.. The number of Business seats on Boeing 777s will increase from 42 to 48, and Premium Economy from 20 or 30 to 48. This means fewer seats for sale in classic Economy class...
