OREANDA-NEWS. November 06, 2013. During the 2013-14 winter season (from 27 October 2013 to 29 March 2014), Air France-KLM Group's capacity* will increase by 2.5% compared with winter 2012-13. Long-haul capacity is up by 3.2% and medium-haul capacity is stable (-0.1%) compared with winter 2012-13.

This faster growth is seasonal. Air France-KLM has chosen to strictly control capacity, with a stable global growth plan: + 1.5% throughout 2013 and +1.5% thoughout 2014.

"Transform 2015 is working and this schedule reflects its main strategic decisions: continued growth on our long-haul network in areas with high potential and the streamlining of our medium-haul offer." declared Alexandre de Juniac, Chairman and CEO of Air France-KLM.

The Air France schedule

In a difficult economic context marked by a low rate of growth in Europe, Air France is continuing to implement the measures related to Transform 2015, including the adaptation of its flight schedule from the regional bases in Marseille, Nice and Toulouse to the seasonality of demand and the better use of infrastructure at the Paris-Charles de Gaulle hub. For the 2013-14 winter season, the Company is increasing capacity on long-haul routes* by 3.6%, while streamlining its medium-haul offer (- 4%).

Long-haul: 3.6% increase in capacity

On the long-haul network, Air France growth is focused on high-potential regions (Africa and South America in particular) and revolves around frequency increases (Yaounde, Cancun, Guangzhou, Bangkok, Punta Cana, Abidjan, New York, Nouakchott and Conakry, Libreville) and the launch of a new route to Panama City.

- Africa: a strong increase of 8.5%

In Africa, Air France is increasing capacity to Yaounde (Cameroon), served four times a week by Boeing 777-200. Following on from the 2013 summer schedule, capacity is increasing to Abuja (Nigeria) and Port Harcourt (Nigeria), as well as to Libreville (Gabon), with a daily frequency.

In Ivory Coast, Air France is offering a second flight, bringing the number of services to Abidjan to ten weekly flights by Boeing 777, departing from Paris-Charles de Gaulle. The complementarity of flight schedules has been optimized, with a new departure time from Paris (23:30) and a return departure time from Abidjan at 9:40. A night flight each way is therefore available.

In the Indian Ocean, Air France capacity remains stable (-0.4%).

- South and Central America: a significant rise of 5.9%

As of November 25, 2013, Air France will fly to Panama City with three weekly frequencies by Boeing 777-200, therefore offering many new destinations in Central America thanks to a partnership with Copa. Launched in April 2013, the service to Montevideo (Uruguay), in continuation of Buenos Aires (Argentina), will continue with five weekly flights.

In the Caribbean, Air France capacity remains stable (+0.1%). Air France is increasing capacity to Punta Cana (Dominican Republic) and will now offer a daily flight by Boeing 747.

*capacity measured in available seat-km compared with the 2012 winter schedule

- North America: a 5.3% increase

In North America, Air France is increasing capacity to Cancun (Mexico), with five weekly flights operated by Boeing 777-300. The Company is also increasing capacity to New York-JFK, which is now served by 33 weekly frequencies (including seven by Airbus A380) operated by Air France and seven operated by Delta. This service is complemented by five frequencies operated by Delta to New York-Newark airport.

- Asia: a rise of 1.5%

The Air France schedule and that of its partner China Eastern Airlines offers up to 19 weekly frequencies between Paris and Shanghai, three of which have been operated by Airbus A380 since September 2. Following on from the 2013 summer schedule, Air France will operate three weekly frequencies to Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).

- Middle East: a decrease of 1.2%

In the Middle East, Air France now operates four weekly flights to Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) and one weekly non-stop night flight to Djibouti.

Medium-haul: streamlining capacity (- 4%)

Within the framework of its Transform 2015 plan, Air France is promoting buoyant management of its flight schedule. Capacity in winter 2013-14 is being adapted to demand and is resulting in stronger seasonality:

- From Paris-Charles de Gaulle, suspension of one frequency to Bordeaux, Nice, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Bologna, Florence, Genoa, Venice, Verona, Copenhagen and Warsaw.

- From Paris-Orly, suspension of one daily flight to Montpellier and two daily flights to Marseille.

- From the regional bases, suspension of certain routes: Toulouse-Tunis, Istanbul, Naples and Prague; Nice-Tunis, Athens and Venice; Marseille-Casablanca, Prague and Berlin.