The boss of Air France-KLM criticizes the increase in tax on plane tickets

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– Benjamin Smith, general manager of the Air France-KLM group, is firmly opposed to the increase in the tax on plane tickets.

Benjamin Smith takes aim at the government. The general director of the Air France-KLM group is in fact firmly opposed to the increase in the tax on airline tickets (TSBA) envisaged by the executive. In an interview with Le Parisien, this Monday, January 20, the Canadian leader regrets the lack of support from the French authorities and sounds the alarm on the repercussions of an increase in the tax on plane tickets.

Benjamin Smith judges that such a measure is “irresponsible”. «A new tax was already introduced last year,” he recalls. “France would become the country where air transport is the most taxed in Europe»he then warns. Before continuing : “Originally, in 2005, the TSBA was set up to finance the fight against AIDS. Recently, it was redirected to finance the railway. If an increase in the tax were to be confirmed, which I certainly do not want, we ask that it be at least marked down towards the decarbonization of the aviation sector. This is very important for us who must invest massively to reduce the impact of our sector.”

“Up to 130 million euros in losses per year”

According to Benjamin Smith, this increase in the TSBA would lead to “up to 130 million euros in losses per year” for Air France-KLM. “The State is aware of this, but it considers that it is easy to tax air travel, because we are perceived as the transport of the rich,” he laments to our colleagues. The manager also explains that for 20 years, the Air France-KLM group has lost 1 to 2% of market share per year to the benefit of foreign companies. “It’s not just a tax on plane tickets, it is an access tax to Francewhich will have repercussions on our economy”, he still believes.

Fearing additional weight, Benjamin Smith wants the government to review its positions. “We don't ask for gifts, just level playing field», he explains. “In a globalized world, if France does not have a powerful airline, there will be negative effects on the economic level. We need to be aware of this,” he maintains.