The French and Dutch authorities are discussing the recapitalisation of Air France-KLM. That’s what the French Minister of Transport Jean-Baptiste Djebbari said to CNews. France would seek to integrate the company more closely, probably referring to less autonomy for KLM.
According to the Frenchman, the main issue on the table now is how Air France-KLM will get through the post-crisis situation. According to Djebbari, KLM has no interest in disconnecting it from Air France, as the Dutch company has benefited greatly from the combination in recent years.
France and the Netherlands are the largest shareholders of the Franco-Dutch airline. In the view of Jebbari, the countries must be able to agree on the strategy. France agrees with Mr Ben Smith on the further integration of the airline combination. Now Air France and KLM each have a far-reaching autonomous position.
Air France and KLM have already received over 10 billion in state aid from France and the Netherlands in the form of loans and guarantees to get through the COVID crisis. Nevertheless, the airline group is suffering a great deal of loss, so more money is needed within a few months. France has repeatedly stated that Air France will not, in any event, go bankrupt.