Air France said it is looking into a project for the future its subsidiary Joon confirming speculation that it might be scrapped.
All Joon employees and aircraft will be integrated into Air France following a discussion with employees and customers, and in consultation with the unions.
Joon looks set to be merged into Air France which said the brand was “difficult to understand from the outset for customers, for employees, for markets and for investors”.
Joon operates 15 aircraft and has a further 10 aircraft on order and runs routes on international sectors from France including to Brazil and India, but mainly within Europe.
Air France added: “The plurality of brands in the marketplace has created much complexity and unfortunately weakened the power of the Air France brand.
“Through integration, Air France would see many benefits thanks to fleet, brand, and product harmonisation. Managing the operation would be improved through a common fleet of aircraft.
“Air France will also be able to ensure a smooth transition of the Airbus A350, currently on order, to the Air France fleet with a more economical cabin configuration.
“All Joon flights currently sold or for sale would of course be operated by Joon until the project is completed, and then taken over by Air France.
“The simplification of the brand portfolio, while capitalising on the Air France mother brand, is an undeniable asset for our employees, our customers, and indeed all stakeholders. It would also enable Air France to complete this integration without impacting the efficiency of the Air France-KLM Group.”
Air France-KLM chief executive officer, Benjamin Smith also said an agreement has been signed between Air France and its cabin crew, with unanimous support from the three representative cabin crew unions at Air France – SNPNC, UNAC, and UNSA-PNC.
This followed the salary agreement signed on 19 October by the majority of Air France labour groups, representing 76 per cent of the votes cast in the last elections.
Air France said this “balanced agreement” represents a major step towards ensuring a strong future for flight attendants at Air France, as well as rebuilding the trust and confidence between cabin crew and the company’s management.
It added: “This agreement also improves the working conditions of cabin crew by resolving a number of their concerns. In turn Air France will be able to deliver better service to our customers, elevating the position of Air France in a competitive global marketplace.”
