Air France KLM Martinair Says Cargo Operations Unaffected by France’s Domestic Passenger Flight Ban

Air France KLM Martinair Cargo (AFKLMP) has told Air Cargo News that the French Government’s decarbonisation plan to ban domestic short-haul passenger flights on routes where train alternatives exist will have “no impact” on its operations.

The group said that lack of train alternatives for some supply chain routes may see them preserved.

The group also pointed out that Air France domestic flights had already been reduced during the pandemic, as stipulated by the financial aid provided by the government.

AFKLMP said: “A significant number of domestic flights in France have already been cancelled during the corona period, as part/condition of the French government loans to Air France. These mainly concerned flights from Orly (ORY).

“A number of ‘hub lines’, with a connection via CDG (such as NTE – CDG – DSS and LYS – CDG – HND), may continue to exist because no train alternative is available here.

“As a result, there is no impact for cargo in our group.”

AFKLMP is currently focusing on building up its freighter capacity.

It currently operates three B747-400ERFs, one B747-400BCF and two B777Fs. It also has outstanding orders for eight new generation A350Fs.

Earlier this year AFKLMP and CMA CGM Air Cargo launched a capacity partnership that was initially announced in May last year.

The tie-up sees the two carriers jointly operate the full-freighter aircraft capacity of their respective airlines, initially including CMA CGM’s six freighter aircraft and AFKLMP’s six freighters.