Air France to cut more than 7,500 jobs

The airline expects more than 3,500 “natural outings,” through wear and tear, that will help offset job cuts.

The global airline industry will lose a record $ 84 billion this year, according to the International Air Transport Association, which does not expect a return to profitability in 2021, even if there is a sharp pickup in global economic activity.

“Recovery appears to be very slow due to uncertainties regarding the health situation, lifting of travel restrictions and changing commercial demand,” the company said.

Air France does not expect to recover from its pre-pandemic activity until 2024.

France pledged nearly $ 17 billion in June to support Airbus, Air France and its broader aviation industry, saying Europe cannot lag behind China and the United States in the global aerospace race as a result of the pandemic.

The € 15 billion ($ 16.9 billion) package included € 7 billion ($ 7.9 billion) in support of Air France.

Airbus said last week that it will cut about 15,000 jobs, or more than 10% of its workforce, in the next 12 months. The European aircraft maker is based in France, but has production facilities in Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom.

– Anneken Tappe contributed to this article.