Is Air France a model in Europe for the way it manages its staff and, consequently, its summer schedule? There is every reason to believe this, given the French airline's current flight planning situation. Unlike other European airlines - easyJet, British Airways, the Lufthansa group and KLM -, Air France has not yet announced any reductions in the number of its flights. It would appear that the national airline, like the French airports have shown a precautionary approach to the resumption of traffic and the potential demands of staff.
Is Air France a model in Europe for the way it manages its staff and, consequently, its summer schedule? There is every reason to believe this, given the French airline's current flight planning situation. Unlike other European airlines - easyJet, British Airways, the Lufthansa group and KLM -, Air France has not yet announced any reductions in the number of its flights. It would appear that the national airline, like the French airports have shown a precautionary approach to the resumption of traffic and the potential demands of staff.
" The airline's management has anticipated the needs arising from the resumption of traffic. Since February, Air France has taken on 300 pilots, mechanics and other technical staff. It has also increased the number of ground staff on fixed-term contracts at Roissy for the summer season. On the face of it, this should ensure that passengers enjoy a service that runs smoothly." explained an Air France spokesperson.
In an interview on Radio Classique, the Chief Executive Officer of Air France Anne Rigail also confirmed that cooperation with Aéroports de Paris had been optimal. " We have worked hard with ADP to ensure that boarding queues can be kept under control.. Even if they are a little longer than usual." she stresses.
" We also worked with the police to activate the automatic SAS PARAFE passport verification system. It is now possible to eight nationalities from outside the European Union to use its automatic dispensers. Our watchword is agilityadds Anne Rigail.
Getting to airports a little earlier
Air France therefore confirms that 90% of its capacity compared to the pre-covid period will be well assured. The 10% missing in particular concern theAsiawhich remains the most closed continent in the world. This is despite the reopening of a number of destinations, including Thailand, Singapore or Korea.
In his interview, Anne Rigail urges passengers not to panic before setting off. " Passengers just need to arrive a little earlier than usual. But not too early either. Three hours is enough for a long-haul flight" she recommends.
