Air France KLM reveals shift from oil traffic to study, leisure traffic

Air France KLM has disclosed a drastic drop in traffic as a result of the fall in oil price and other economic indices, leading to a major shift from business oriented oil and gas traffic to a different type of traffic which is leisure and study driven.

Speaking during the customer appreciation dinner held at Intercontinental Hotel in Lagos, Arthur Dieffenthaler, Commercial Director, Air France KLM said that usually Air France had lot of passengers resulting from the oil and gas traffic but that has changed as many Nigerians travel for holiday or to study at the United State.

He also revealed that that the fall of the oil price affected the revenue of the airline.

According to Dieffenthaler, “The international orientation of Nigerian people really set them apart from other African countries. So, there is quite a big demand for mobility or travel, mostly driven by UK and US, because Nigerians are open minded when it comes to exploring the world, which reflects on the passenger number.”

He explained that what has been put in place to stimulate traffic is a lot of promotions to capture current clients, adding that the airline has been able to target new nature of customers, with its social media campaign.

“As far as traffic is concern, we saw results as we had improved in traffic compared to the previous months of the year. With a new government in place and a working ministry, we are focusing to continue with a lot of promotions and presence in the market to stimulate the traffic.”

Also speaking on the event, Jean-Raoul Tauzin, General Manager Air France KLM Nigeria and Ghana said every year Air France finds one evening to celebrate with its loyal customers who have been patronizing the airline for many years, to appreciate them and celebrate the beginning of 2016 with its clients.

“We are starting the New Year and it is a nice moment to celebrate our customers that flew last year and the year. It is of utmost importance to let them feel and understand that we are the reason why they are here tonight,” Tauzin added.

Speaking on the performance of the airline in 2015, he explained that it has been a difficult year, especially with the challenge of dollar exchange in the country but Air France has been able to mitigate the challenges with a focus on promotions and presence in the market.

“Although it has been a difficult year but with all the promotions done in the last five months, we have been able to catch up a bit but not to compensate the entire period of 2015,” Tauzin said.

Winners of the raffle draw at the event were given tickets to various countries in Europe.

Ifeoma Okeke