23-May-2008 FRANCE :
Although Air France has delivered its operating target of 7.1% of return on capital; this only corresponds with a sub 6% operating margin placing Air France in the middle rank of European airlines measured on this basis.
23-May-2008
“The current year is set to be challenging, with the oil price and the global economy creating significant uncertainty.....based on an oil price of $120/bbl, our objective is of operating income in the region of 1 billion euros…Air France-KLM plans a modest and flexible increase in its capacity” - Jean-Cyril Spinetta, Chairman, AirFrance-KLM
23-May-2008 ITALY :
Air One confirmed it was still interested in the acquisition of Alitalia (Dow Jones, 22-May-08). Meanwhile, the European Commission announced it is yet to received information from the Italian government regarding the financing of Alitalia (Thomson Financial, 22-May-08).
23-May-2008
Britain Airways (BA) CEO, Willie Walsh, forecasts the days of cheap fares are over, stating record high fuel costs and global economic uncertainty are likely to force carriers to raise fares to survive, with many likely to go bankrupt (The Guardian, 23-May-08).
23-May-2008 UNITED KINGDOM :
(XFN-Asia) easyJet Plc. said Standard Life Investments Ltd. has lifted its stake in the company to about 38.12 million shares or 9.05 percent.
23-May-2008
L'Avion, the first all business class French airline, announced the opening of reservations for customers on the third daily flight between New York and Paris, established through a codeshare agreement with OpenSkies, British Airways' new premium transatlantic subsidiary.
23-May-2008
Czech Airlines is continuing with its renewal of its aircraft fleet in accordance with its development strategy. As part of this process, the Czech Airlines fleet is undergoing optimisation with the aim of strengthening the position of Czech Airlines as a continental European carrier.
