WORLD – European Commission regulators have approved a €4 billion (US$4.7 billion) recapitalisation of Air France that could see the French government more than double its shareholding in Air France-KLM.
The French government’s stake in the group will increase from 14.3% to a maximum of 30% as part of the arrangement, Air France-KLM said.
The too Dutch government has confirmed that its holding will be diluted to 9.3% from 14%.
Dutch flag-carrier KLM supports the recapitalisation measure, the group stated but will not benefit from the €4 billion aid, according to the conditions agreed by the Commission.
“The Dutch state is continuing discussions with the European Commission regarding potential capital-strengthening measures for KLM,” added Air France-KLM.
The measures approved by the Commission under temporary Covid-19 state aid rules comprise the conversion of a €3 billion (US$3.6 billion) state loan already granted to Air France into a “hybrid capital instrument” and a capital injection by the state through a share capital increase, which is limited to €1 billion (US$1.2 billion).
“These first recapitalisation measures are an important milestone for our group in this exceptionally challenging period,” said Air France-KLM chief executive Ben Smith.
“They will provide Air France-KLM with greater stability to move forward when recovery starts, as large-scale vaccination progresses around the world and borders re-open, ” Smith added.
Shareholder China Eastern Airlines has agreed to take part in the capital increase “as part of further reinforcement of strategical co-operation with the group”, Air France-KLM stated, but will keep its stake “strictly below 10%”.
“The recapitalization will provide Air France-KLM with greater stability to move forward when recovery starts, as large-scale vaccination progresses around the world and borders re-open”
Ben Smith – CEO, Air France-KLM
Delta Air Lines, which holds 8.8% of the share capital in Air France-KLM, will not subscribe to the capital increase “due to the current framework of the CARES act” in the USA, the group said.
Among other conditions for proceeding with the recapitalization, the French flag-carrier will be required to give up 18 daily slots at Paris Orly airport, albeit with strict labor conditions on the carriers that can take them on while the French government has “committed to working out a credible exit strategy within 12 months after the aid is granted” unless its “intervention is reduced below the level of 25% of equity by then”.
Additional measures to further strengthen the group’s capital are under consideration, Air France-KLM states, with “several” actions likely to be taken before the 2022 annual general meeting.
The €3 billion (US$3.6 billion) French government loan was part of wider measures worth €7 billion (US$8.3 billion) agreed in April 2020.
The €4 billion (US$4.7 billion) loan that forms part of that package has been extended with a final maturity date in 2023, Air France-KLM states.
Dutch flag carrier KLM received final approval for state-backed financing of €3.4 billion (US$4 billion) in November 2020 with the Dutch government increasing its stake in Air France-KLM to 14% in 2019, to almost matching that of its French counterpart.
Liked this article? Subscribe to DealStreet Africa News, our regular email newsletter with the latest news, deals and insights from Africa’s business, economy and more. SUBSCRIBE HERE
