Economy
Air France pilots announce week-long strike
Half of Air France flights could be cancelled on the first day of the strikes as the airline asks passengers to rebook
13.09.2014 - Update : 13.09.2014
PARIS
Air France pilots are to begin a week of industrial action on Monday that could affect thousands of passengers.
Pilot union SNPL called for the strike in protest at cost-cutting measures that include hiring hundreds of new pilots on lower pay.
The strike, which is forecast to be the biggest to affect the flag-carrier since 1998, could cost up to 15 million euros a day, according to Air France's Chief Executive Frederic Gagey.
"About half Air France flights are to be cancelled on Monday," he told France Inter radio on Saturday.
Since Friday, the airline has asked passengers booked on flights between September 15 and 22 to postpone their trips or change tickets.
