Air France’s 2013 summer schedule (31 March – 26 October 2013)
Stable capacity for Air France
Pursuit of adjustments made within the framework of Transform 2015
Air France-KLM Group’s schedule
In continuing the 2012-13 winter schedule, AIR FRANCE KLM has opted for strict control of its capacity*, which will undergo only moderate growth in the 2013 summer season (March 31-October 26). In comparison with summer 2012, long-haul capacity will be raised by 2.4% and medium-haul capacity will be reduced by 2.1%.
The Air France schedule
Stable capacity* at +0.3%: +2.0% on long-haul and -5.3% on medium-haul
Given the still uncertain economic environment and the measures being implemented within the framework of the Transform 2015 plan, Air France is posting stable capacity* (+0.3%) compared with summer 2012. Capacity is increasing on the long-haul network (+2.0%), with targeted increases in capacity on the emerging markets: Africa (+8.1%), Asia-Pacific (+5.6%) and Latin America (+3.4%).
The reorganization of the medium-haul network is still underway with a -5.3% reduction in capacity. Moreover, the capacity of the regional airlines BritAir, Régional and Airlinair are being redeployed within the airline HOP !, which will begin operating flights on 31 March 2013.
Pursuit of the measures undertaken within the framework of the Transform 2015 plan
Following the early adoption of certain measures during winter 2012-2013, all the actions decided as part of Transform 2015 will be implemented in summer 2013.
Controlled growth in capacity
On its long-haul network, the Company is applying the strategic lines defined by the Transform 2015 plan and intends to increase its economic efficiency.
Growth is thus being targeted in areas offering strong potential and mainly concerns the opening of new routes (Montevideo, Kuala Lumpur and Minneapolis), and increased frequencies (Bangkok, Guangzhou, Libreville or Havana, for example).
Increased productivity
In an aim to increase operational efficiency and improve the quality of service for customers, the departure and arrival times of long-haul flights are being adapted at the Paris-Charles de Gaulle hub. Early morning arrival times in particular will be increasingly staggered to facilitate connections while optimizing the use of the airport’s resources. This measure, successfully tested during the winter season, is being extended this summer.
Productivity gains are also being made possible by increasing the number of medium-haul aircraft rotations at Paris-Orly and Paris-Charles de Gaulle: certain flights departing Paris-CDG will be transferred to Paris-Orly (one daily frequency to Istanbul, Casablanca and Rome); the turnaround time has also been shortened. As a result, at Paris-Orly, average aircraft use will be increased by one hour per day.
Seasonal character of the provincial bases’ schedule
In continuing the winter schedule during which certain services have been suspended, schedules will be adjusted to reflect changing circumstances on departure from the provincial bases. Numerous routes are operated on a seasonal basis, i.e. only operated during periods where demand is high, in July-August. Some services are increased during the summer period. On the other hand, certain routes where demand is lower are suspended or the number of flights are decreased.
2013, a key year for the reorganization of the medium-haul network
2013 marks a turning point in the reorganization of the Air France medium-haul network. To ensure greater economic and operational efficiency, since 1 January 2013, the Company has reorganized its activity into two separate entities: flights departing from the Paris-Charles de Gaulle hub and point-to-point operations departing from Paris-Orly and the provincial bases.
Alongside the schedule operated by Air France, the major transformation of the medium-haul network is underway. The airline HOP!, launched at the end of January 2013, will begin operating its first flights during the 2013 summer season. A total of 98 regional aircraft (seating 48 to100 passengers) sporting the colours of the new airline will serve 104 destinations.
As part of the medium-haul reorganization, Transavia France is continuing to expand with the addition of 3 new aircraft in its fleet during the first few months of 2013.
« We are progressively implementing all the measures announced in the Transform 2015 plan. Adjustments to the schedule, begun during the winter, will continue this summer, allowing us to quickly adapt to changes and increase our economic efficiency. The medium-haul network is undergoing a major reorganization: the segmentation of this activity between Air France, Hop ! and Transavia will allow to better meet all our customers’ needs.
On the long-haul network, we are controlling our growth while developing our activity on markets with potential. These measures will be decisive in ensuring our return to breakeven and restoring our profitability.” stated Alexandre de Juniac, Chairman and CEO of the Air France Group.
For full details with details per geographic region on the Air France 2013 summer schedule, see http://corporate.airfrance.com/en/
