The FINANCIAL -- A
few days ago, Air France KLM presented the first stage of the group’s
transformation plan, whose aim is to once again be a world leader by
2016, according to Air France.
For Air France, the second stage of this plan, which will be presented in June, will be focusing on revitalization, recovery and renewal.
“Our airline’s revitalization will involve seven different areas of activity”, stated Alexandre de Juniac, CEO of Air France.
Air France intends to rapidly restore its competitiveness and restructure its short and medium-haul operations, in an aim to return to profit for point-to-point flights by 2013 and for all medium-haul routes by 2014.
Seven areas of activity have been defined: medium-haul operations, long-haul operations, maintenance, cargo, productivity and economic efficiency, products and customer services, management and organization. For each of these areas, a precise study will be carried out to rapidly define the most important objectives and areas to work on. They will then be developed as part of the company’s transformation plan.
“Our commercial recovery is a focus point of our company’s transformation”, stated Alexandre de Juniac, CEO of Air France.
To reach this objective, Air France has several assets: together with KLM, the airline operates the leading international long-haul network and has a hub offering the most connecting opportunities in Europe. Together with Delta, Alitalia and KLM, it has implemented the largest ever transatlantic joint venture. Air France is a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance, which today has 15 member airlines and is leader in China.
Its young fleet and dedicated staff make up a real advantage for the airline’s future success.
In these difficult economic times, Air France has decided to continue investing for the benefit of its customers. In Business class, Air France has redesigned its in-flight services, the seat and has joined forces with a Michelin-starred chef for the meal service.
Surprising its customers and maintaining its role as ambassador of fine French cuisine and life-style remain the airline’s hallmarks. Air France is already working on a new long-haul cabin.
At its hub at Paris-CDG, Air France is investing together with Aéroports de Paris and this summer will be inaugurating new infrastructures in terminal 2. There will be new services, with notably the opening of Air France’s biggest ever Business class lounge.
“With these assets and the total involvement of all its staff, Air France will be able to rise to the challenges of its transformation plan with confidence and serenity”, stated Alexandre de Juniac, CEO of Air France.
In order to return to profitable growth, Air France intends to increase the airline’s productivity and efficiency by introducing simpler, more flexible and more responsive working methods. One of the aims is to work more closely with operational teams.
Just a few months ago, Air France launched a commercial offensive on departure from Marseille. This new offer of non-stop flights goes hand in hand with a new regional organization, based on a faster decision-making process and closer contact with the markets. This project will continue in 2012 and will be extended to the bases in Toulouse and Nice in April.
Reactivity, proximity and serenity will enable Air France to rise to the challenges of this transformation plan with confidence in order to serve its customers in the best possible way.
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