France is ready to help " fully and if necessary massively " Airbus in the face of the air transport crisis caused by the pandemic of new coronavirus, said Wednesday Bruno Le Maire, stressing that the financial assistance provided to Air France was already a form of support for the European aircraft manufacturer.
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" It goes without saying that we will fully and if massively support Airbus when the time comes, " said the Minister of Economy on LCI.
Airbus on Wednesday reported significantly degraded results in the first quarter, with a 15% drop in turnover and a 49% plunge in operating profit.
In a letter to staff on Friday, which Reuters was able to consult, Guillaume Faury, the executive chairman of Airbus, also considered that the survival of the group was at stake if he did not take rapid measures in the face of the crisis. .
Bruno Le Maire ruled on Wednesday that Air France should continue to buy planes from Airbus beyond the commitments in terms of profitability and environmental impact that were asked of it in return for the aid of 7 billion euros that the French state will bring to the company.
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" There are a number of commitments that have been made by Air France, " said the Minister of Economy. “ It goes without saying that behind there are also purchases by Airbus and the French aeronautics sector. If we support Air France, it is also and I do not hide it to support Airbus. "
" Air France must continue to be a good Airbus customer, which is also currently in difficulty, " insisted Bruno Le Maire.