>
Air France has scrapped its low-cost subsidiary airline, Joon, just 13 months after it was launched under the leaderships of former Air France-KLM CEO Jean-Marc Janaillac and former Air France CEO Franck Terner.
An agreement has been reached for Joon to be absorbed by Air France. Apart from scrapping the Joon brand, Air France management and unions have signed to absorb the 600 stewardesses and stewards of the former airline.
The flight attendants of Joon will enter the level of remuneration of Air France and will benefit working conditions in the parent company.
A statement posted on Air France’ website on Thursday reads in part: “Despite the many positive impacts of Joon, in particular the invaluable contribution of the teams at Joon who launched the company and worked with passion and dedication, the brand was difficult to understand from the outset for customers, for employees, for markets and for investors.
“The plurality of brands in the marketplace has created much complexity and unfortunately weakened the power of the Air France brand.
“Through integration, Air France would see many benefits thanks to fleet, brand, and product harmonisation. Managing the operation would be improved through a common fleet of aircraft. Air France will also be able to ensure a smooth transition of the Airbus A350, currently on order, to the Air France fleet with a more economical cabin configuration.
“All Joon flights currently sold or for sale would of course be operated by Joon until the project is completed, and then taken over by Air France.
“The simplification of the brand portfolio, while capitalising on the Air France mother brand, is an undeniable asset for our employees, our customers, and indeed all stake holders. It would also enable Air France to complete this integration without impacting the efficiency of the Air France-KLM Group.
According to Airlive.net, the integration and pay package is a clear improvement for Joon’s hostesses and stewards who complained about their low pay and hard working conditions.