Air France, once in danger of being left behind in the scramble for a US partner, is now seeing double with letters of intent for broad cooperation with both Delta Air Lines and Continental Airlines. The move was followed by swift denials from Swissair that its link with Delta was under threat.
Subject to the approval of both governments, the airlines hope to codeshare on direct flights between the US and France and points beyond each of their hubs, as well as cooperating on marketing. The deals, which should take effect in March 1997, will boost Air France's operating profit by some US$100 million annually, the carrier claims.
Bertrand d'Yvoire of Consultair suggests that Air France has chosen two partners to keep its US options open and that it may end up with just one alliance. However, Air France says it chose the two partners to provide extensive coverage of the US and moved to seal the links now because it was now stronger. 'We weren't in an economic position before to have a US partner and didn't have an effective hub,' says the airline.
Sabena and Swissair, meanwhile, are adamant that the arrangement will not impact their alliances with Delta. The AirFrance connection will make Delta a stronger partner due to its 'enhanced position on the North Atlantic and superior network', says Swissair. The Swiss carrier has further strengthened its Delta alliance with the introduction of 10 new codeshare destinations in the US.
Delta says it is happy with the network Swissair offers, adding that Air France's routes merely give Delta 'even more access to world markets'.
Lois Jones
Source: Airline Business
