“If we can’t fill our planes, prices will increase by 50%”, warns the former CEO of Air France

Will plane ticket prices soar? This is what fears Alexandre de Juniac who estimates that the inflation of the prices of plane tickets could climb to 50% if one forces the companies to practice social distance on board.

Invited on BFMTV, the president of the International Air Transport Association and ex-CEO of Air France is very worried about the future of air traffic. While we talk about the possible neutralization of central places in the rows to enforce social distancing, Alexandre de Juniac warns that such a decision would not be without consequence.

“In the current state, we don’t know how to fly planes that are only two-thirds full while being profitable, says the ex-boss of Air France. Either the plane can fly and we earn a very little money on the flight, either it cannot fly … or we increase the price of tickets and it is at least 50%, it is not nothing. “

A rise in prices which would risk leading the sector into a spiral of decline. “It has been 30 years that the sector has been fighting to be open to the greatest number and not to be reserved for the privileged few, assures Alexandre de Juniac. And he does it pretty well. If we had to raise our prices, it would be a step backwards considerable.”

Solutions to neutralize transmission

Thanks to ever lower prices and an increasing number of destinations, air traffic has been increasing non-stop for 10 years. Air traffic has increased from 2.5 billion passengers per year in 2009 to 4.5 billion in 2019. The halt brought about by the coronavirus crisis should be violent for the sector. In 2020, it should fall by more than 25%, or 1.2 billion passengers less. Unheard of in the sector.

The airlines therefore hope that the conditions for the recovery will not be too drastic.

“It is not certain that the neutralization of the seat will minimize the transmission of the virus which is already very weak on board, assures Alexandre de Juniac. If the passengers all wear masks, if we disinfect the cabin, if we distribute pre-packaged food, if passengers are asked not to take too much cabin luggage, it can limit and practically eradicate the risk of transmission on board. “

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