It is true that the flights are usually longer

It was a true clap of Thunder in a sky already very stormy. Earlier this month, trade unions showed that Air France intended to remove its business on its haul flights. The company take no decision before October, for a possible application in early 2010. After reflection, Air France should retain a prior class, whose share in the cabin should be reduced. And for good reason: Air France made its success on the principle of the hub, with European flights connected to long-haul network at Roissy airport. Passengers travelling in class between Paris and New York or Tokyo love to be pampered, or any of the less recognized as such, since their departure from Frankfurt, London or Madrid...

But these intra-European Affairs classes seem less and less "classes". The famous curtain moves a few ranks as fills for separating Business from economy class passengers became the standard, for reasons of flexibility and profitability. The Chair is generally the same, with just removable to provide a little armrests more place and headquarters sometimes neutralized medium. Meals, the offer was reduced to the minimum portion, even if it still exists and varies depending on the duration of the flight, of the more complete cold snack to hot lunch. It is always better in class eco, where pay sandwiches and beverages is widespread, as in Iberia. However, fewer and fewer companies appear willing to pay a high price for a difference of comfort that their appears minimal.

Acceleration of the decline

In the United States, the situation is different. It is true that the flights are usually longer. Most companies still have a true armchair business. "We propose even a first on our transcontinental connecting the Atlantic to the Pacific, analogous to a domestic long-haul flight," said Jacques Alonso, Director France of American Airlines. And in Asia, carriers generally use their long-haul aircraft equipped with three classes to ensure the shortest bonds, in continuation of their flights from Europe or America. Comfort there is also maximum.

However, in Europe, "low cost" companies are constantly snacking market share. According to a study by the Directorate General of civil aviation dating back to 2007, business travellers accounted even almost a quarter of the passenger carriers at low costs. The crisis has further accentuated the movement. "Three or four years, there has been an acceleration of the decline." "But in recent months the decline in class Affairs point flights, without correspondence, can reach 25", confirmed Patrick Malval, Director Europe West of British Airways. Sold everywhere, now including travel agencies, easyJet tries to bounce back with his latest advertising to businesses: "your competitors travel more". Prospect customers and save up to 50 for your trips!

If the information is confirmed, Air France would be the first major European to remove its class business medium-haul. So far, its European competitors do not have the intention to imitate him, while the least for the time being. "We have instead made improvements with wider convertible seats, and now four seats per row against six previously." The maintenance of this class is important because of the heavy traffic in correspondence. "It is also a means of recognition, to facilitate the transfer to London", confirmed Patrick Malval. Same analysis for Lufthansa, who wishes to keep a class business as well in short that in medium-haul, or Iberia. "There is still a demand for this type of products, including on the part of the liberal professions or a leisure clientele seeking superior comfort", concludes Jean-Pierre Sauvage, Director France of the Spanish company. The choice of Air France will be followed with attention by its competitors.