Air France Soars

AIR France has remained a strong player in the airline industry in spite of the events of September 11 which left many major carriers struggling for survival. The airline has risen above this tragedy and is believed to be one of the three remaining profitable airlines in Europe, having generated a group net profit of 153 million euros in the airline’s financial year between April 2001 and March 2002. At a press conference in the Hilton Hotel today, Michel Maury, gm for Air France SA, claimed that the carrier had achieved a 1.5% increase in turnover between January and March of this year. In addition, there has been a 38% increase in South African travellers using the airline between April 2001 and March 2002. Air France has also opened a new ticket office at Johannesburg International Airport and has introduced a new and growing Web site. According to Michel, the airline will continue to strengthen its competitive position. (Heather Ruddock)