Italian air traffic controllers are striking again today. Airlines and passengers have been warned to expect delays, longer check in procedures, longer queues. Passengers flying through several European airports – Pisa (PSA), Milano Malpensa (MXP), Milano Linate (LIN), Florence (FLR) and Ancona-Marche (AOI) – will also be impacted by a strike by ground handlers who are staging a walk out today.
Strikes can cripple even the largest airlines. Pressure on Air France CEO, Jean-Marc Janaillac, has caused him to announce his resignation over the rejection of a pay deal by the airline’s staff. Nevertheless, Air France pilots, cabin crew and ground staff were on strike on Monday for a fourteenth day since February, which has caused knock-on issues for the airline’s schedules today.
The board of directors of Air France-KLM are meeting on May 15 to decide on a management transition plan.
The sorry saga shows how hard it is for legacy airlines (outside of US and Chapter 11 protection) to restructure and cut costs to compete more effectively in a fiercely competitive and crowded marketplace.
This week, as well as taking some time off for the May Day holiday, Airline Economics and MRO Global staff are gearing up for the second Dublin Aviation Summit that begins next week at the Royal Dublin Society. The two day exhibition and conference seeks to bring together airlines, lessors and MRO providers to discuss transitions, maintenance issues and how to drive efficiencies for aircraft owners and operators. Registration is free to all so please contact us today to secure your place www.dublinaviationsummit.com or email us directly at juliette@aviationnews-online.com.
