Decision-makers: Jean-Michel Mathieu, CEO of Joon

Jean-Michel Mathieu, CEO of Joon, explains the airline's strategy and clarifies its positioning vis-à-vis the other brands of the Air France KLM group. Interview by Serge Barret
Joon
Jean-Michel Mathieu, CEO of Joon

How would you broadly define the Joon brand?

Jean-Michel Mathieu - Joon is the new generation travel as seen by Air France a journey that appeals to everyone, not just millennials. To create this company, we drew on very contemporary codes, particularly those used by 18-35 year-olds: digital, connected, flexible and personalised.

How is Joon positioned in relation to its big sister Air France?

J-M. M. - First of all, it is important to remember that no routes will be operated simultaneously by Air France and Joon. Joon should make it possible to back on the offensive on routes that are not profitable for Air France or those that have been abandoned in the face of competition. This will encourage a return to competitiveness on these destinations. Thanks to Joon and its a more competitive cost structurewe can resume growth momentum in markets now confiscated by low-cost carriers and Gulf companies. Joon offers the same standards of quality and comfort as Air France. Our customers can book their travel online, directly on the Air France website. They can also take advantage of the Flying Blue and benefit from all Air France services on the ground, including check-in, SkyPriority access, Business lounges and ground handling.

And what about low-cost airlines?

J-M. M. - While we offer fares tailored to the different needs of travellers, including Light fares with no hold baggage, this does not mean that we can't offer a wide range of fares, Joon is not a low-cost airline. Rather, it is an airline that combines the advantages offered by traditional carriers and low-cost operators, particularly in its Economy class on medium-haul routes. Fares can be as attractive as those of a low-cost carrier, but with superior services, such as convenient timetables and connected, flexible and personalised services. Once again quality standards are on a par with those of Air France. Our positioning is also very different from that of TransaviaJoon is Air France-KLM's low-cost airline, which is developing strongly towards Europe and the Mediterranean Basin on medium-haul routes, with a programme of point-to-point flights from Paris Orly, Nantes and Lyon. The aim of Joon is to strengthen Air France's presence on its main routes. Paris CDG hubon both medium and long-haul routes.

Most of our customers' feedback has been very satisfactory. The 'casual chic' attitude of our cabin crew adds a real FRESHNESS to our service.

After a year in business, have customers embraced Joon and its 'casual chic' attitude?

J-M. M. - Since its launch, Joon has achieved an average load factor of almost 85 % overall and close to 90 % on medium-haul routes. Most of our customers' feedback has been very satisfactory. The attitude "casual chic of our cabin crew brings a real freshness. We wanted to breaking codes through the uniforms of our flight attendants. Wearing white trainers and casual outfits, they convey the spirit of this new airline.

How do your business customers react to this state of mind?

J-M. M. - Very positive indeed! I can, of course, imagine that not all our travellers are in favour. But the feedback from our business customers are also very favourable.

What particularly innovative in-flight services are you offering?

J-M. M. - Firstly, from streaming 100 % free with YouJoona connection portal
allowing our customers to access the latest series and web TV programming from their smartphones, computers or tablets. Then AlloSkyfor immersive cinema sessions via the rental of virtual reality goggles for €15 per flight. We have also developed a range of services to extend the Joon experience beyond the doors of the aircraft. One example is our partnership with Travel Carwhich will offer our customers the opportunity to pick up their car at the airport and rent it to other private individuals. A solution that helps cover parking costs!

Key dates

Born in 1969. Graduate of the École nationale de la statistique et de l'administration économique (ENSAE), former research assistant at the University of California at Berkeley.

  • 2003: Director of e-commerce at Air France.
  • 2007: Head of long-haul network planning at Air France-KLM.
  • 2010: Vice-President, Alliances, Air France-KLM.
  • 2012: Vice-President in charge of digital at Air France-KLM.
  • 2014: Vice President Direct Sales and Service at Air France-KLM.
  • 2017: Chief Executive Officer of Joon.