Air France violence puts spotlight on airline’s performance

[webfact]

Air France violence puts spotlight on airline’s performance



PARIS: -- The health and performance of Air France have come under particular scrutiny following Monday’s violent protest.

This year the airline has reported more poor results.

Much of the controversy concerns its restructuring plan known as ‘Perform’ – coming hot on the heels of the previous, also controversial ‘Transform’ programme.

Part of the plan involves scaling back its long-haul capacity as it tries to focus on competing with low-cost rivals.

Air France’s medium haul low cost airline Transavia has continued to develop in France but is weak compared to its leading competitors in Europe.

Passenger numbers overall have lagged behind those of other airlines – and now the company is trying to force through a restructuring plan against strong opposition.

“Unfortunately their industrial relations are mired in the 19th century and not the 21st century. Someone has to give here. Management are looking to impose a solution, essentially, I think, because they don’t see any other way,” said analyst Michael Hewson of CMC Markets.

The French government – which holds a 17 percent stake in Air France – has ruled out nationalisation.

On top of bad results and stiff competition, Monday’s violence was a public relations disaster for the airline and for France – at a time the government is on a drive to attract outside investment.

-- (c) Copyright Euronews 2015-10-07

[OMGImInPattaya]

If even Lufthansa is on the skids, is there any hope for a socialized airline like Air France?

[ardsong]

Air France a flight company to pass by.

1st of all, with Air France you will never know you can fly, as there is almost always a strike and you have the problems; strikes of pilots, then of stewardesses, then of freight handlers, then of traffic control, then .............................. in short Air France is almost striking on 90% of the time.

2nd the proper organisation structure has completely broken down, showing that the management is physically attacked during negotiations. for me this indicates that performance and safety is also at a bottom low as safety of aircraft and flying procedures depend heavily on a proper organisation structure; shown by safety studies.

So don't fly Air France if you like to survive any air travel.

[Dustdevil]

If you do manage to board a strike-free Air France flight, be prepared for lousy food and perfunctory service. I used to have a rotation job in West Africa flying out of Houston. Had to fly Air France through their crappy and truly chaotic CDG airport in Paris. Their onboard breakfast was to me inedible because it contained only sweets. There was nothing without sugar in it. god, you can keep your continental breakfast!

[OMGImInPattaya]

Air France a flight company to pass by.

1st of all, with Air France you will never know you can fly, as there is almost always a strike and you have the problems; strikes of pilots, then of stewardesses, then of freight handlers, then of traffic control, then .............................. in short Air France is almost striking on 90% of the time.

2nd the proper organisation structure has completely broken down, showing that the management is physically attacked during negotiations. for me this indicates that performance and safety is also at a bottom low as safety of aircraft and flying procedures depend heavily on a proper organisation structure; shown by safety studies.

So don't fly Air France if you like to survive any air travel.

You forgot the taxi strikes that prevent you from even getting to the airport for your flight, or if by some miracle the taxis aren't on strike and you get a cab...there are the lorry strikes which block up the roads again preventing you from getting to the airport. And if you get to the airport, the government air-traffic controllers are on strike so your flight has been cancelled...and on it goes in France ?

[terryw]

In the last 2 months I have flown on Air France twice, KLM twice, Malaysia three times, Qatar and Jet2.com (UK airline). On long haul Malaysian was easily the best, although I accept that there are better long haul rivals. For the short haul flights, Qatar and Jet2.com were a lot better than the other three. Their service was friendly, efficient and good value for money. Air France and KLM are clearly in the 4th division compared to the others. Their cabin crew were clearly not interested in providing a good service and their planes are old and shabby.

[stoffel45]

Air France is NOT a good airline. However it is no less safe than say Lufthansa - the insurance companies carefully monitor maintenance regimes.

I live in Belgium.

Thai International is the only non-stop flight to Bangkok. It is a lot better than some posters say in terms of service and amenity. Because we prefer to fly Business class, THAI is really expensive compared to other really good airlines - and with three of us travelling.....

Emirates stops in Dubai - but leads the way in comfort, service and amenity.

KLM's Schipol is a short hop from Belgium - there is a good train service at Schipol but the appalling Belgian railway stations with frequently broken escalators and no elevators means lugging 70 kgs of luggage up many stairs.

With KLM you are directed to their AF link ups. Brussels - Amsterdam - Paris - Bangkok and from Paris on the return leg you are dumped on to one of the awful trains which are usually on strike.

Alitalia - Brussels to Rome - and then you would think on to Bangkok - but NO. From Rome you fly BACK to Paris to board one of Air France's horrors and thence to Bangkok.

Air France - their service at best is intermittent. Their cabin staff manners need a lot of improvement. The food is frankly disgusting. An annoying waste of money.

They are annoyed that airlines like Etihad, Emirates, British Airways and Turkish airlines are passengers' first choice.

To gain passengers they mess with schedules to make the preferrred airlines' times more inconvenient.

THAI - if you brought your fares into line with other airlines - your seats would be full with real paying passengers.

[Nemesis7]

Air France, never again, hardly any service. tried their Business class too, the same, no desire to serve.

Old Aircrafts mostly. Hardly any in flight entertainment, food, they serve just because they need to give you something.

for sure impolite, both ground staff and flight crew.