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Air France future in doubt after resignation of chief over strikes

Doubts have emerged over the future of Air France after its boss quit amid continuing strike action.

Chairman and chief executive Jean-Marc Janaillac confirmed his decision to resign as head of parent group Air France–KLM on Saturday after more than half of staff rejected a 7% wage rise over four years.

The employee consultation was launched to allow the French carrier to find a way out of the deadlock following 13 days of strike action costing at least €300 million.

French economy minister Bruno Le Maire then warned that Air France will “disappear” unless unions accept reforms designed to improve the airline’s competitiveness.

The French government owns 14.3% of Air France-KLM.

Janaillac has been asked to stay on until the group’s annual meeting on May 15 when an “interim governance solution” is due to be announced.

Pilots’ unions agreed last night to suspend future industrial action pending further negotiations with management.

Air France expects to operate 80% of its schedule today (Tuesday) following the latest staff walkout yesterday – the 14th day of action.

Le Maire told French news channel BFM TV: “I call on everyone to be responsible: crew, ground staff, and pilots who are asking for unjustified pay hikes.

“The survival of Air France is in the balance,” he said, adding that the state would not serve as a backstop for the airline’s debts.

“Air France will disappear if it does not make the necessary efforts to be competitive,” he warned.

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