The conditions imposed by the European Commission on Air France, in exchange for new public support for the company in great difficulty, must be "
sustainable
", defended the French Minister of the Economy Bruno Le Maire on Monday.
"
Obviously, what is requested in return from Air France must be sustainable,
" he said during a press point after an exchange with European Commissioner Thierry Breton.
Read also: Air France-KLM will reveal the extent of the damage in 2020
"
We fully understand that remedies are needed
", that is to say counterparts to aid from the French state, as has been requested, for example, from other companies supported by other states, he added.
When an EU state grants aid to one of the companies in its country, it must receive the approval of the European Commission, which ensures the smooth running of competition within the Union.
Slots in Orly
Hit hard by the health crisis, Air France-KLM has already benefited from substantial public aid: more than 10 billion euros, including 7 billion in direct loans or loans guaranteed by the French State, a 14.3% shareholder .
But while the prospects for recovery are still remote and the company is suffering very significant fixed costs, it wants to strengthen its balance sheet structure, with the support of the French state.
Read also: Air France-KLM prepares its necessary recapitalization
Among the counterparts mentioned is the sale of airport slots at Orly airport.
An eventuality rejected by the unions of the French company as by the management of the company. "
We would not understand that one imposes drastic measures on us, which would weaken our position in Paris
", declared at the beginning of February the general manager of the group, Benjamin Smith, in an interview with L'Express.