Air France tells unions it will expand routes if they’ll ease up on demands

Air France told unions that it’s ready to add planes and routes to expand capacity by 2 to 3% annually from 2017 through 2020 in return for productivity improvements as an improved economic outlook boosts earnings prospects. Management told representatives of pilots, flight attendants and ground staff at a works council meeting Friday that Air France remains prepared to adopt a growth strategy, even as it cuts 1,000 jobs this year after failing to secure a deal in earlier talks, said Gilles Gateau, the carrier’s human resources director. The new plan visages the addition of seven aircraft to Air France’s long-haul fleet during the period, with the introduction of one or two new destinations, Gateau said. That would permit an increase of about 10% in capacity and flight hours. “We are not giving an ultimatum,” Gateau said. “But the clock is ticking.”<br/>