The company forecasts 85% to 90% of pre-pandemic flight activity worldwide this summer.
Article author:
Associated Press
Air France Chief Air France-KLM Thursday, New Security He said it would take weeks or months to staff. As global air travel rebounds from the COVID-19 pandemic, it reduces pressure on Amsterdam Airport, where flight cancellations, damaging delays and major travel headaches can be seen.
Air France-KLM CEO Ben Smith told reporters that the company blamed the lack of security at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and the problems of non-KLM ground personnel. He said he was seeking compensation for some of the losses. Control.
The Dutch government is under pressure to find a solution, but when security guards are hired, due to government security clearance requirements, "a few weeks to a few to deploy them?" It can take months, "says Smith.
Airlines and airports that have significantly reduced their jobs during the pandemic are struggling to keep up with the surge in travel demand, and passengers encounter chaotic scenes at airports around Europe and the United States. doing.
Smith downplayed air concerns French pilot strikes are scheduled for Saturday, with a small minority of pilots expected to attend, which will impact operations He does not expect.
At Charles de Gaulle Airport, the main airport in Paris, there wasn't much travel turmoil like Amsterdam, London and other hubs. Smith attributed last year's Air France decision to hire hundreds of pilots, mechanics and cabin staff in anticipation of a surge in demand this summer.
The airline is still losing staff: 7,500 people have left Air France and KLM has lost 3,000 due to the crash of a pandemic trip. Many airlines have fired staff, but Air France-KLM says it has only seen voluntary departures.
However, Smith said all airlines fly, and the company forecasts 85% to 90% of pre-pandemic flight activity worldwide this summer. I did.
"People who haven't been able to fly for two years, there is a strong demand for leisure travel," he said.
Despite his concerns about the increasing number of cases of COVID-19 and the risk of recession, he predicted high demand for the fall.
Soaring global fuel prices are sending plane ticket prices from the roof, but Smith said it doesn't interfere with people's flight.
"The ability to pass on higher costs to customers is incredible," he said, especially in first and business class. "It's impossible to leave New York."
Still, due to high fuel costs and high inflation, he warned: There is still a long way to go back to the pre-pandemic operation.
The French and Dutch governments saved Air France and KLM from the brink of collapse and provided billions of euros in loans during a pandemic. The company hopes to pay off its Dutch aid within the next few months and 75% of its French aid by the end of this year, Smith said.
He welcomed the return to freedom of travel, but warned travelers: The flight is full.
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