Air France strike 2014: Pilots extend protest against low-cost plans

Air France pilots are extending their week-long strike over plans to expand low-cost operations abroad.

More than 80% of pilots from SNPL union voted to continue industrial action beyond deadline, September 22, according to Jean-Louis Barber, head of the union’s Air France section.

On Sunday, September 21, only 38% of flights were assured, the lowest proportion since the strike began.

Pilots are protesting against plans by Air France to fight competition from low-budget carriers and boost earnings by setting up foreign bases for its low-cost Transavia brand.

Air France pilots are extending their week-long strike over plans to expand low-cost operations abroad

The main pilots’ union fears the airline may abandon Transavia’s development in France altogether and move jobs out of the country.

Air France has condemned the move to continue the strike, insisting neither the airline nor its staff will be harmed by its plans.

It says the strike is costing the company 10-15 million euros a day.

According to Air France, the flights operated by other airlines, including HOP, KLM and Delta, are not affected by the strike.

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