Bloomberg Talks Air France CEO Ben Smith Talks Delta Withdrawal, Uncertain Global Markets
Apr 9, 2025
Air France's CEO discusses the impact of Delta's financial outlook withdrawal amid global trade uncertainties. The conversation dives into how these factors affect travel trends, particularly between premium and economy classes. Additionally, they explore current challenges in the airline industry, including cost management and the influence of fluctuating fuel prices. Insights are shared on labor stability and potential for strategic growth in customer experiences.
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Transatlantic Travel Trends
- Air France is observing relative stability in premium transatlantic cabin bookings.
- Economy cabins are experiencing slight softness, but no capacity shifts are planned yet.
Recession and Travel
- A recession would likely impact travel spending. Air France is used to operating in crisis mode, unlike consistently profitable U.S. carriers.
New First-Class Product Launch
- Ben Smith showcased Air France's new La Première first-class product on a Boeing 777. He observed customer excitement and willingness to fly, especially Americans.