Air France-KLM has recently unveiled its plans of creating a lower cost airline that will cater to budget travelers.
The Franco-Dutch carrier is set to compete with other low-cost airlines, having new and affordable routes. The complete plan has not been revealed yet, but it is expected that the new routes will serve cities in Asia and the United States.
"With Trust Together, Air France-KLM regains the offensive with a project which is both ambitious and realistic. It will enable us to capture our share of air transport industry growth by improving the competitiveness of our businesses," said Jean-Marc Janaillac, Chairman and CEO if Air France-KLM in a statement.
"With our nine strategic priorities, we shall be fighting back on every front. Our strength lies in the fact that we are challengers. The status quo is not an option. We must launch a new dynamic to return to a leadership position in our markets," he added.
Air France-KLM has had losses and clashes with trade unions for years. The BBC reported that the Syndicat National du Personnel Navigant Commercial is expressing concern over this, fearing that the new staff of the new project will not be able to enjoy the same benefits.
The goal is to have 10 long-haul planes by 2020, and 30 percent of the operations will be focused on the new routes. Janaillac told reporters that he would explain to unions that in order to reach this, the airline must have money to buy new planes, and cut the costs to "become more competitive."
"My bet is that the [Air France] staff are ready to make a deal this time to secure the long-term future of the company and start growing again," he added, "It is a bet, though."
Learn more about the project here.
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