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Air France-KLM CEO: Europe not protecting our industry
Youtube· 2026-02-20 04:19
Geopolitical Impact - The company has faced instability due to geopolitical factors, particularly in Western Africa, which is a significant market for them, unlike many competitors [1] - There have been challenges with overflight rights in regions like Russia and Israel, but the company has managed to adapt by stopping and restarting services as necessary [2] Fuel Hedging and Competitiveness - The company hedges over 60% of its fuel annually, positioning it favorably against competitors that hedge none, especially in the context of rising fuel prices [3][4] - The company has maintained a strong relationship with Airbus, despite delays in aircraft deliveries, particularly with the A350 model [5][6] Aircraft Delivery and Performance Issues - The company recently received the last of its 787s, which had been delayed, and now has a total of 38 delivered [5] - Delays in the supply chain, particularly related to the Pratt & Whitney GTF engine, have affected some aircraft models, but the company is not impacted by these delays for its A320 Neo orders [6][7] Competitive Landscape and Regulatory Challenges - The company is advocating for a level playing field in the European aviation market, highlighting the disadvantages posed by EU regulations and taxes compared to global competitors [8][9][10] - The company emphasizes the importance of maintaining European carriers to ensure jobs and decision-making remain within Europe, expressing concern over the potential shift of air travel demand to non-European carriers [11][12] Policy Advocacy - The company is seeking mechanisms similar to those in the maritime industry to address unfair competitive scenarios in aviation, urging the European Union to act swiftly [13]