sky

Air France considers A380 fleet reduction

Air France is evaluating a reduction of its Airbus A380 fleet as the carrier is preparing a cabin refurbishment programme for the widebody type. French news outlet Les Echos has reported that the airline decided not to renew the leases for 2 of its 5 leased A380s, and to return the pair to their owners in 2019. The article suggests that the other 3 leased aircraft will also gradually leave the fleet. The airline has 10 A380s, half of which are owned by the airline. The carrier said that discussions are ongoing about the "current size" of its A380 fleet, but declines to provide detail about its fleet plans. It neither confirmed nor denied the Les Echos report. Air France says that in 2020 it will begin a cabin refurbishment programme for its A380s. The project will include installation of full-flat seats. <br/>

Aerolíneas Argentinas cancels all Monday flights

Aerolíneas Argentinas has cancelled all of its flights for Monday due to a strike by pilots and ground staff. The industrial action, the fourth at the airline during November, has been called by the APLA and UALA pilot unions, the APA ground staff union, the APTA technical union, and the UPSA union. The work stoppage will start at midnight Sunday night, with no end time announced. Local media have suggested, however, it will be a 24 hour strike. Aerolíneas said the cancellations affect over 40,000 passengers on 371 flights scheduled for Monday. In its approach to negotiations the APLA pilot union called “prudent”, a the organizers said “there are no longer any doubts regarding the will of Aerolíneas Argentinas to deepen a conflict that we have clearly not sought.” <br/>