Air France 2007 Annual Report Download - page 15

2006-07
13
A first stage has just concluded. What is planned for
the future?
Leo van Wijk : These first three years have proved a great
success for the Group, and we are now ready to move on
to a new stage in the organization of Air France-KLM.
Within this context, after ten years as President and CEO
of KLM, the moment has come to hand over to Peter
Hartman. I shall take on new responsibilities, focusing on
a number of the Group’s strategic priorities such as
information systems and the development of alliances.
But the strategy remains the same: value creation for the
Group and for its shareholders. We are now embarking
on a new phase involving greater integration, an ambitious
cost saving plan common to the two airlines and a
confirmed target of one billion euros of synergies in 2011.
Jean-Cyril Spinetta : I would like to thank Leo for all
the work he has done and recognize his contribution to
the Air France-KLM merger. Together we have built the
confidence of staff within both our companies. Our
profitability is not only due to a particularly favorable
economic environment but is also based on the efforts
of the Group, the buy-in of our employees and their
commitment to our chosen approach and to a high level
of trust. Today, everything has come together so that,
in a business which has been characterized by significant
volatility in performance and results, we have been able
to establish stability in the financial performance of the
Air France-KLM group. Finally, our entry into the CAC 40
index is not only a recognition of the significant
contribution our sector makes to the French and global
economies but also a reflection of the trust we have built
with the market.
We intend to build on these foundations during the years
to come.
Jean-Cyril Spinetta : Being a leader creates, in my
opinion, more obligations than rights with regard to our
employees, customers and shareholders. We are careful
to remind all those who work for Air France-KLM that this
leadership position comes with significant responsibilities.
This is one more reason for us to continue to work on
improving our performance.
One example is the new terminals that Aéroports de Paris
will bring into service between 2007 and 2008 at our
Roissy-Charles de Gaulle transfer platform; as a result,
our customer service will improve markedly, making our
hub an airport reference standard world-wide, as is
already the case with Schiphol.
As the only air transport group to be included in
three sustainable development indices,
Air France-KLM is the leader here too. What role
does the Group intend to play?
Leo van Wijk : We have long been active in sustainable
development and the numerous initiatives undertaken by
both Air France and KLM are now being recognized. For
example, we are continuing to invest in the renewal of the
fleet to increase our energy efficiency and thus reduce our
CO2emissions. This represents a real challenge for our
industry. While the air transport sector represents only 2%
to 3% of total emissions, we know that our overall
contribution is going to increase given the growth in the
sector and the reduction in emissions from other
industries with alternative sources of energy at their
disposal.
We also assume our leadership responsibilities in
supporting the European Commission proposal to include
air transportation in the emissions trading scheme. Our
view is that this represents the right response even if
some companies think otherwise.
We also consider that airport infrastructure and European
air traffic control need improving to avoid unnecessary
emissions, which could be reduced by 6% to 12%.