Air France-KLM has reported a lack of €7.1 billion for monetary 2020 as the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic grounded worldwide journey.
Passenger numbers fell 67 per cent final 12 months, the airline mentioned in an announcement earlier, whereas income fell 59 per cent in comparison with the earlier 12 months.
Benjamin Smith, chief govt of Air France-KLM, mentioned: “Final 12 months examined the Air France-KLM Group with essentially the most extreme disaster ever skilled by the air transport business.”
He mentioned that state help from the French and Dutch governments had helped the corporate considerably.
“We start 2021 trying ahead that this 12 months will see an upturn in visitors as quickly as vaccination is deployed on a big scale and borders as soon as once more reopen,” he mentioned.
Air France-KLM took on €10.four billion in state-backed loans final 12 months.
Nonetheless, after burning by €2.6 billion in money within the fourth quarter, the airline mentioned the primary three months of this 12 months might be “difficult” and contain a deeper hit to earnings.
The provider expects to fly simply 40 per cent of its pre-crisis capability within the first quarter as restrictions on journey hold individuals at dwelling.
