French-speaking airline representatives gather in Corsica

Representatives from French-speaking airline companies are meeting in Porticcio for three days of discussions. Organized jointly by Air Corsica and the Association of French-speaking Air Transporters (ATAF), the 132nd general assembly is taking place from October 15 to 17 at the Sofitel Golfe d’Ajaccio. The agenda includes topics such as the consequences of geopolitical tensions, cybersecurity, cost control, and solutions to improve flight punctuality.

Tradition of rotating host companies

For Air Corsica, hosting this assembly is part of a tradition of rotation among member companies. "It is a tradition that one of the 21 or 22 companies of the ATAF hosts all participants on the occasion of the annual general assembly," explains Pierre Muracciole, chairman of the board of Air Corsica and vice-president of the association. "It was Air Corsica's turn," he adds, expressing that he is particularly honored to be both a representative of the host company and a member of the ATAF executive committee.

Focus on industry challenges

The discussions focus particularly on "the difficulties encountered by air transport in terms of geopolitics, but also competition, assistance and supply chain, that is, the supply of spare parts and airplane engines." These exchanges are also strategic for the future of carriers. "The strategic aspects are decisive in guiding a little the direction that the leaders will take for the future of their company," estimates Muracciole.

Opportunities for collaboration

The meeting can also lead to agreements: "It allows for contacts that can lead to the signing of agreements." Partnerships have already been concluded during previous general assemblies, he recalls, and others may emerge from these times of joint work. Muracciole adds that the companies have "much to gain from sharing their experiences and strengthening their cooperation." The challenge, according to him, is to "think together about the future of the sector" while providing concrete answers to the needs of the territories served.

Challenges for island territories

A particular challenge for island territories. The member companies face common concerns, among which is the taxation related to the ecological transition. "The ecological transition is one of our concerns," notes Muracciole, while emphasizing the need to take into account the realities of isolated territories. For Corsica, the plane is essential for economic development and value creation. "If there are no boats or no planes, Corsica does not move," he summarizes.

Rising costs and need for solidarity

General Abdoulaye Coulibaly, president of the ATAF, also mentioned the constraints faced by transporters, particularly the rise in fuel prices. This weighs on the budgets of the companies and leads them to adjust their prices. "Everyone complains, but everyone still takes the plane, fortunately," he observes. To cope with the difficulties, he calls for solidarity between companies and the search for solutions: "We need to find other parameters to be able to survive."

Corsica as a unique setting

The choice of Corsica gives a particular resonance to these exchanges. "Usually, we meet in cities," notes Coulibaly, who appreciates the island setting and recalls a first visit to the island in 1968, when he was a student pilot in Salon-de-Provence. For Marie-Hélène Casanova-Servas, president of the board of supervisors of Air Corsica, hosting the delegations also allows to showcase "a territory, its riches and its hospitality." The meeting benefits from the support of local partners, including the Corsican Tourism Agency and the Intermunicipal Tourism Office of the Ajaccio area.

Air Corsica's operational challenges

This assembly is taking place while Air Corsica must also manage difficulties specific to its operations. Five of its seven ATRs are grounded due to unpleasant odors whose origin has not yet been established. Muracciole indicates that tests conducted with ATR and Pratt & Whitney Canada teams should continue until November 3 or 4. He hopes to gain more visibility on the cause of the problem in the coming days, before defining a plan to resume operations of the aircraft, "which can take some time." The executive believes that despite schedule changes and some extended routes, the company has maintained the number of seats planned in its program.

Post-strike recovery

Air Corsica is also emerging from the pilot strike, concluded by a global agreement. Muracciole sees this as a relief after the interruption of an essential service and asserts that the company can now "restart on solid foundations. Social dialogue will continue."