Air France under threat amid strikes: Economy minister

Amid series of strikes in recent weeks, Air France in danger of 'disappearing,' says Bruno Le Maire

By Omer Aydin

PARIS (AA) - Air France-KLM is in danger of “disappearing” amid a series of continuing strikes, said France’s economy minister on Monday.

"The important issue is right now that the company will disappear if it does not take necessary steps to be more competitive," Bruno Le Maire told French news channel BFM, warning of the impact of more strikes.

In a statement on its website, Air France said scheduled flights will be disrupted per "due to the confirmation of the strike of several Air France staff unions for Monday and Tuesday."

The company said though it will carry on with long-haul flights, last-minute delays and cancellations can be expected.

On Friday, Air France-KLM CEO Jean-Marc Janaillac handed in his resignation to the executive board after the staff rejected a final pay offer from him.

The offer would have raised wages by 7 percent over four years.

Air France-KLM reported a net loss of €269 million ($321 million) in the first quarter of the year.

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