Published on 04/04/2021 at 1:54 p.m.
Updated
04/04/2021 at 4:44 pm
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The French Minister of the Economy Bruno Le Maire announced on Sunday April 4 that an “agreement in principle” had been reached with the European Commission on new financial aid for Air France, which in return will have to give up “a certain number of slots “at Orly airport, during an LCI / RTL / Le Figaro television program. “We have an agreement in principle with the European Commissioner (in charge of Competition) Margrethe Vestager on new financial support for Air France”, the amount of which will be discussed with Air France, there will be a board of directors tomorrow. ‘Air France, which must validate the principle of this agreement, “said Bruno Le Maire. “This is very good news for Air France and for the entire French aviation sector,” said the minister, referring to a “hard”, “long and difficult” negotiation which ultimately resulted in “a good agreement” and by stressing that Air France “will have to make efforts to be competitive”.
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In return for financial support to Air France, the European Commission asked that “we give up 24 landing and take-off slots at Orly. My position from the start was to say that it was too much and that it was not used for nothing to support Air France on the one hand if it was, on the other, to excessively enhance competition by requesting 24 air slots on Orly, “explained the Minister. At the end of the day, “there will be an abandonment of a number of European niches, but not 24. I cannot give the figure today because it must first be presented to the board of directors of Air France (…) but it will be less than 24 “, he assured, speaking of an agreement” fair and proportionate for Air France “.
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Bruno Le Maire recalled that the French State had already “greatly supported” Air France, by providing 7 billion euros and was not signing “a blank check”. “There are tens of thousands of jobs behind, it is strategic for the country. But Air France must make efforts to be competitive” and “continue to reduce its CO2 emissions”. “We are not signing a blank check (…). The taxpayers have already contributed 7 billion euros to Air France. I am ready to provide new support, but that Air France returns to profit (.. .) and provides proof of its competitiveness (…) Taxpayers are making an effort, Air France must make an effort on its side “.
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