Strike forces Air France to slash schedules
Air France is only operating 48% of its flights as its pilots begin a week-long strike.
The airline has already cancelled 519 flights today, amounting to 60% of its services.
The airline warned there could be further ‘last-minute disturbances’ and urged passengers to check flight information before leaving for the airport.
The SNPL union, which represents a majority of Air France pilots, has called the strike as part of a dispute with the company over its strategy to compete against European low-cost rivals.
Air France-KLM said last week it would be investing heavily in its low-cost airline, Transavia, over the next few years.’¨
The union wants Transavia France pilots to have the same pay and working conditions as those at its main business and fears some of the Air France shorter routes will be cut as a result of the new low-cost focus.’¨
The union claimed next week’s strike could cost the airline €40 million a day, but Air France chief executive Frederic Gagey said it would cost between €10 million and €15 million a day.
Air France advised passengers to avoid departures in the period from September 15th to 22nd 2014.
It said: "The application of the Diard law will allow us to have a more accurate estimation of the number of pilots declaring themselves on strike action 48 hours in advance.
"Our flight schedule will be adapted accordingly and published at latest 24 hours ahead of departure.
"Our teams are fully mobilized and make their utmost to assist you and minimize the impact of this industrial action on your travel plans."
Air France flights operated by other airlines, including HOP, KLM and Delta, are not affected by this strike
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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