sky

Air France is bracing for a third day of industrial action among its cabin crew July 29, although it is expecting to maintain more than 80% of flights. The walkout over a new collective agreement began July 27 and is expected to run until Aug. 2. On the first day of the action, Air France was expecting to operate at least 87% of its flights, followed by 80% on day 2. The carrier has said operations are running in line with forecasts. “Friday, July 29, 2016, Air France expects to operate more than 90% of its long-haul flights, 85% of its domestic flights and 75% of its medium-haul flights to and from Paris-CDG, considering that 37% of cabin crew are expected to take strike action Friday,” Air France said. This 37% comprises 39% on long-haul and 33% on medium-haul routes. <br/>

China Eastern and China Southern, along with other SkyTeam member carriers, plan to move to Beijing New Airport when it opens in 2019, according to the CAAC. Air China and other Star Alliance carriers are expected to remain at Beijing Capital Airport, which has a slot shortage, making it increasingly difficult for carriers to get approval to boost flight frequencies and open new routes. Beijing New Airport, which is located in Daxing in the southeast part of Beijing, is projected to handle an annual passenger volume of 45m in 2020, 72m in 2025, and 100m in the longer term. The regulator announced Thursday it is allowing China Eastern and China Southern to build their own infrastructures at Beijing New Airport based on their respective passenger boardings that would account for 40% of the airport’s annual passenger volume. <br/>