2023-11-08 20:36:55
Air France planes on the tarmac at Roissy airport (Val-d’Oise), November 25, 2020. THOMAS COEX / AFP
Is the post-crisis euphoria already nothing more than a memory for French air transport? According to companies and airport managers, the boom, observed at the end of the Covid-19 pandemic and driven by the influx of passengers and the increase in the price of plane tickets, is showing signs of weakness. “There is no pessimism after a good year and a great summer 2023, but it can’t be Christmas every day”explains to Monde Marc Rochet, CEO of Air Caraibes and French Bee, also one of the leaders of the National Federation of Aviation and its Trades (FNAM).
In the wake of a summer season with high standards, the enthusiasm of the sector is waning, a little, this “autumn with correct but not exceptional reservations”, estimates the boss of the two companies in the Dubreuil group. According to professionals, it will be difficult to regain the same appetite for travel in the coming months as immediately after the pandemic. Consequently, demand should mechanically fall. However, this year, Air Caraibes, French Bee, but also their competitor Corsair should return to profits in the wake of Air France which had already made profits in 2022. “Air Caraibes and French Bee are having a good year in 2023”comments Mr. Rochet soberly.
But a few clouds darken a previously clear sky. “We don’t see the “business” clientele coming back”, laments the business manager again. This is what leads him to “be a little more careful for the future”. Because there is no indication that the most profitable passengers for airlines will find their way back to airports at levels close to those before Covid.
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Prohibitive prices in business class
It could even be the opposite! During a press lunch on Tuesday, November 7, Augustin de Romanet, CEO of Groupe ADP, said he had asked his colleagues to give up certain business trips due to prohibitive prices. The boss of the airport manager has given up on a trip to Chile where his group nevertheless obtained the concession for Santiago airport. According to him, the price of a round trip in business class would be around « 10 000 euros ». For an air transport professional, who wishes to remain anonymous, defection “structural” of businessmen is already having repercussions on airlines. She would, according to him, “forced Air France to resize its network”. In fact, the company headed by Ben Smith announced a few weeks ago that Air France would leave Orly within two years to consolidate its activities at Roissy.
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