Ben är inte VD, han är chef/ansvarig för Flying Blue vilket då gör hans uttalande mer sannolikt än om VD surrade något om bonusprogrammet.
Han presenterades som Chief Executive Offer på Air France-KLM's Earnings Call igår. Det här är vad han sa om SAS
Benjamin Smith, Chief Executive Officer:
And on the -- on your M&A question. We're very, very happy with how things worked out with SAS, with our 19% stake, with the exit of SAS from Star Alliance and our exclusive ability to go up to a controlling stake. So, we're already in deep talks. We've moved forward on a lot of commercial let's say partnerships with them. They've already moved one flight to Atlanta. We are putting in place, you know, we're having them line up with our services wherever we can under the non-immunized rules. But it's a great first step for 19% investment. So that we're pleased with. In terms of TAP, as you know, geographically, we're quite interested in that operation. We'll see how that goes. But as of today, as you know, it's a bit unknown how the new government is going to move on that file. So, still interested but balanced expectations based on the current situation.
Andrew Lobbenberg, Analyst:
Ben, can I just ask, are there competition policy approvals needed for SAS to proceed or are you expecting that to go through it? Because obviously the process for lift in ETA and IATE Europa are going nowhere fast, right?
Benjamin Smith, Chief Executive Officer:
No, we don't. What we're focused on is, can SAS eventually join our joint venture across the Atlantic? So, with Virgin and with Delta we will be able to integrate SAS into that joint venture. And of course, you know, that's a lengthy process. So that's the main focus. What will we need to do there. And of course, there's no limit to access at Copenhagen or at Stockholm. The airports are totally open. So, if there are perhaps any remedies that will be asked for, I predict they will be asked for in Amsterdam. But the unique routes that we're on are very limited.
