The French Minister of the Economy, Bruno Le Maire, announced on Sunday April 4 that a ” agreement in principle “ had been found with the European Commission on a new financial aid for Air France, which will have in exchange to abandon “A certain number of niches” at Orly airport, during the “Grand Jury” LCI-RTL-Le Figaro.
“We have an agreement in principle with the European Commissioner [chargée de la concurrence] Margrethe Vestager on new financial support for Air France ”, whose “The amount will be discussed with Air France, there will be an Air France board of directors tomorrow which must validate the principle of this agreement”, said Mr. Le Maire.
“This is very good news for Air France and for the entire French aviation sector”, said the minister, referring to a negotiation ” tough “, “Long and difficult” which ultimately resulted in “A good deal” and stressing that Air France “Will have to make efforts to be competitive”.
“The taxpayers are making an effort, Air France must make an effort on its side”
In return for financial support to Air France, the European Commission requested that “We were giving up 24 landing and take-off slots at Orly. My position from the start was to say that it was too much and that there was no point in supporting Air France on the one hand if it was, on the other, to excessively enhance the competition by asking for 24 air slots on Orly. “, explained the Minister of the Economy.
Ultimately, “There will be an abandonment of a certain number of European slots, 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”.
Mr. Le Maire recalled that the French State had already “Much supported” Air France, by providing seven billion euros and did not sign “A blank check”. “There are tens of thousands of jobs behind, it’s strategic for the country. But Air France must make efforts to be competitive ” and “Continue to reduce its CO emissions2 “.
“We are not signing a blank check (…). Taxpayers have already contributed seven 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. “