and overhauls on both commercial and military airplanes. Having excellent relationships with customers and suppliers is vital to Boeing’s competitive strength in France, according to Todd Nelp, vice president, European Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Our success in France begins with our products,” Nelp said. “We have the best twin-aisle, long-haul airplanes in the world and our French airline customers recognize that. It’s also about people and relationships. We’re always working to earn the trust of our customers and maintain the solid relationships we’ve built over the years.” Nelp said France has historically been a strong market for Boeing products, with the 777 serving as the backbone of the Air France long-haul fleet. In the single-aisle market, the 737-800 has had strong sales. In late 2011, the Air France–KLM Group signed an order for 25 787-9 Dreamliners, with options for 25 more. Working with Air France and the other French airlines has been an excellent experience at both a personal and professional level, according to Nelp. “They know what they’re doing, they’re professional and they’re good business people,” Nelp said. “They appreciate hon-esty, and appreciate the fact that we meet our commitments. And I don’t sense any bias toward one manufacturer over another. They’re looking for the best answers for their airlines when it comes to products and services.” Jean Thouin, a Boeing Commercial Airplanes sales director for Europe, is in charge of the Air France–KLM account and the French market. Thouin said French airlines fill different market niches, but Air France is by far the country’s predominant airline. “Air France for the longest time has been involved in the development of new Boeing airplanes,” Thouin said. “It wants to be involved in the design of the airplane’s performance and capabilities— basically what it will look like and what it will do.” This participation has been very benefi-cial to Boeing because Air France is a very representative airline with a great deal of expertise, he explained. Its passenger and cargo operations are well integrated and it has an extensive route system throughout the region and the world. Its product needs are representative of many airlines around the world. Air France offers European and domestic service within France, but the TGV high-speed rail system is a serious competitor that connects cities within France and neigh-boring European countries. Thouin said travelers tend to prefer the train for trips of three hours or less. Transavia France, a subsidiary of the Air France–KLM Group, operates a fleet of Next-Generation 737s. It offers French travelers low-cost fares to leisure destina-tions outside the country, such as North Africa and the Mediterranean region. Several other French airlines fly Boeing airplanes. Europe Airpost, for example, operates Boeing 737-QCs (Quick Change), as well as 737-700s. The Quick Change models carry passengers during the day and are changed to cargo configuration at night to transport mail. Tony Simpson, managing director for Europe, Boeing Capital Corporation, noted that France’s commercial banks are among the industry leaders in financing the purchase of Boeing airplanes. “French banks have deep and very experienced teams that are able to struc-ture aircraft financing in every part of the globe,” Simpson said. “Their loan structur-ing capabilities help make financing our aircraft low-risk with lucrative returns.” Air transportation plays an important role in French tourism; France is the No. 1 tourist destination in the world. “France remains a fascinating country,” Galland said. “Around 70 million people visit France each year. There’s marvelous sightseeing everywhere—from Paris to the mountains to the seas. France has a rich heritage, and Boeing is proud of its continuing role in this important and dynamic country.” n william.j.seil@boeing.com In late 2011, the Air France–KLM Group signed an order for 25 787-9 Dreamliners, with options for 25 more. PHOTOS: (Far left) An employee of Zodiac Seats, left, trains a Solidarity in Aerospace program participant. L’IMAGE PRO PHOTOLOUIS (Above) Boeing 787 landing gear are assembled at the Messier-Bugatti-Dowty final assembly facility in Everett, Wash. GAIL HANUSA/BOEING BOEING FRONTIERS / JUNE 2013 37
Frontiers June 2013 Issue
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