There is no sign of a solution to a strike by Air France pilots that is now in its second week with 60 percent of flights grounded
On Monday the Chief Executive of Air France-KLM, Alexandre de Juniac, said he would postpone plans to expand the operations of the low-cost arm Transavia until the end of the year, to allow more time for talks, but that they will eventually go ahead to avoid what he called “catastrophic consequences”.
“Air France was just recovering and these efforts are being destroyed in just a few days. I do have to say it is really sad. It is really sad, it’s really a pity, and no airline company is immortal, that includes Air France.”
The company wants to create more hubs for Transavia in Europe to compete with other low cost airlines like easyjet and Ryanair. Air France pilots fear that means hiring more pilots outside of France as well as eroding their pay and conditions.
The company’s shares dropped five percent on Monday as it became clear there is no solution in sight.
