Aviation/airlines
France and EU close to a deal on Air France bailout: minister
France and the European Union are close to a deal on a bailout for Air France, which like other carriers has been hammered by the coronavirus pandemic, Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said on Monday (29 March), confirming media reports, writes Dominique Vidalon.
“We are nearing a deal...It is a matter days,” Le Maire told France Info radio, adding there could be concessions to ensure fair competition.
“It’s not about closing lines or cutting jobs. Concessions are being asked to ensure fair competition between Air France and other carriers,” Le Maire said without providing further details.
French daily Le Monde said the French government and the European Union’s executive were close to an agreement on the terms of a bailout for Air France.
The expected deal would see Air France give up fewer airport flight slots at its Paris base than initially sought by the European Commission, notably at Orly airport, the newspaper had said.
The Air France-KLM group recorded a €7.1 billion ($8.38bn) net loss for last year.
It received 10.4 billion euros in loans and guarantees from France and the Netherlands and has been negotiating a state-backed recapitalisation, with EU regulators seeking airport slot concessions at Paris-Orly and Amsterdam-Schiphol.
Share this article:
EU Reporter publishes articles from a variety of outside sources which express a wide range of viewpoints. The positions taken in these articles are not necessarily those of EU Reporter. Please see EU Reporter’s full Terms and Conditions of publication for more information EU Reporter embraces artificial intelligence as a tool to enhance journalistic quality, efficiency, and accessibility, while maintaining strict human editorial oversight, ethical standards, and transparency in all AI-assisted content. Please see EU Reporter’s full A.I. Policy for more information.
Counterfeit cigarettes drive illicit tobacco trade to highest level in a decade, new study claims
Libya’s fuel crisis offers lessons for energy security on both sides of the Mediterranean
Spring semester package: Steering EU economies to increased competitiveness
EU Cybersecurity Act could expose member states to costly investment treaty claims, legal opinion warns
In space, we can’t defend what we can’t see
Kazakhstan seeks deeper EU partnership in science, education and innovation
OceanEye: Placing the EU at the forefront of ocean observation
Outrage of Iranian exiles and opposition of MEPs to inviting Reza Pahlavi to the European Parliament
EDF’s first-ever FSTP sub-call attracts strong interest from newcomers to EU defence funding
EU implements Palestine facility with $395 million for local banks and €2.1 million in technical assistance
EU exports of shark fins dropped in 2025
Commission approves €23 billion Italian state aid scheme to support renewable electricity production
Justice and Home Affairs Council
Give your career a real take off
Serbia’s business environment is driving its integration into the EU
The Hidden Cost of Aid Cuts.
Kazakhstan reforms under scrutiny at Brussels Press Club round table
Japan should face up to history and contribute more to regional peace
Ambassador calls for 'speeding up' of co-operation between EU and Kazakhstan
Timur Turlov at Smart Moves Summit 2025: How chess can transform global education
Shevtsova’s case: Out-of-court sanctions dismantling trust in Ukrainian cause
The future of European transport
Trump Vs Trueman
US 'no longer' an 'unconditional ally' for Europe - MEP
-
Health4 days agoCounterfeit cigarettes drive illicit tobacco trade to highest level in a decade, new study claims
-
Libya4 days agoLibya’s fuel crisis offers lessons for energy security on both sides of the Mediterranean
-
European Commission4 days agoSpring semester package: Steering EU economies to increased competitiveness
-
Law4 days agoEU Cybersecurity Act could expose member states to costly investment treaty claims, legal opinion warns