It was an election with the flavour of a plebiscite. With a turnout of 82.63% and 90.37% in favour, the SNPL, the majority union of Air France pilots, finally validated on 12 August the domestic network reorganisation plan proposed by Air France-KLM management, after months of negotiations.
The domestic network has been loss-making for several years despite its ongoing restructuring since 2000. The amendment to the group agreement therefore opens the door to Transavia France the operation of routes on the domestic network. The expansion of Transavia's scope of operations follows a previous agreement in September 2019 which had already removed any limitations on Transavia France's fleet growth.
The changes will streamline the Air France group's short-haul operations to ensure sustainable profitability, with a timetable extending to 2023.
The Air France group will strengthen its position at Paris-Charles de Gaulle. Air France will continue to expand its main base for medium- and long-haul flights, with its subsidiary HOP! operating flights between the regions and the CDG hub.
Transavia goes from strength to strength
At Paris-Orly, Air France will continue to operate only its 'La Navette' service to Toulouse, Nice and Marseille, as well as routes to Corsica. These routes will be operated by the more fuel-efficient Airbus A220-300s from September 2021. At the same time, the airline will be strengthening its long-haul service to French overseas departments and territories and to New York-JFK.
Transavia France will begin operating domestic routes while continuing to develop its European routes, which will increase the group's offer. Transavia France will shortly be announcing details of the routes and their launch schedule.
In Lyon, Air France will consolidate its position by developing services on HOP! and Transavia France. The latter will develop not only from Lyon but also from Nantes and Montpellier. Transavia France's customer experience will evolve to meet the needs of other operators in the low-cost market.
The development of Transavia France on the French domestic market is a key step in Air France's strategic plan to improve its financial performance.
" Air France's domestic market is one of our group's strategic assets, and connecting the French regions with the rest of the world is an integral part of our business. To ensure the long-term future of this activity, it is now essential to restore its balance. I am delighted with the quality of the dialogue we have had with all our social partners to ensure that Air France achieves this by 2023, by making the best possible use of the unique strengths of our various airlines." said Anne Rigail, CEO of Air France.
