Air France to Close Domestic Bases by October
Bases in Marseilles, Nice & Toulouse to shut
Around 200 pilots will be relocated to Air Frances main hub and headquarters in Paris, without any impact on their jobs. However what might the implications be on the South of France?
Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi says the move poses a “real danger” to the region’s economy. Although Air France insist that the reorganisation will have no impact on the services provided by the current flight schedule.
The mayor is also concerned as to what the closures signify and what the airline’s long term plans are.
“[Eventually,] the other provincial towns and those nearby over the border will no longer be served and the daily frequency of flights will be diminished,” claimed Estrosi. “This will lead to a decrease in the economic attractiveness and tourism of our territory.”
President of the Alpes Maritimes, Eric Ciotti, is also in agreement with Estrosi.
Air France claim that the closures will make way for their budget-oriented subsidiary (HOP!), which they propose to expand into the local and regional markets. As part of Air France's strategy to win back its share of the domestic market lost to the likes of high-speed rail and Low Cost Carriers, HOP! will also take over the operation of all of Air France's domestic and regional services from its Paris Orly hub including its La Navette flights to Bordeaux, Marseilles, Nice, and Toulouse.
