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Air France-KLM announces 5-year restructuring plan

Air France-KLM Group has embarked on an ambitious 5-year plan aimed at reinventing itself to regain a leadership position among European airlines. The initiative, announced at a Nov 5 investor presentation, includes maximising the role of air cargo in generating revenue. The goal of the restructuring agenda, which is short on specifics, is to increase revenue, regain market share and restore dividends when the group's after-tax earnings exceed E1.9b. Investors initially were unimpressed, with shares diving more than 4% in Paris trading immediately following the announcement. Air France last paid a dividend in 2008, before the financial crisis coupled with labour unrest led to losses and a series of strikes by Air France workers. <br/>