Air France considering high speed rail joint venture

Air France-KLM is contemplating a joint venture with a private rail company that could lead to the transfer of the airline’s short-haul international routes to high-speed rail service as early as 2010.

The airline has confirmed that it is considering replacement rail services for some of the shorter-haul routes and that it may choose to run its own services. Air France-KLM has purchased seats for clients, in the past, on high-speed rail, as has the German airline Lufthansa.

Private rail company Veolia Transport, which at one time operated services in the UK as Connex, confirmed that it is in talks with Air France.

In January 2010, air travel within the EU will be liberalized, permitting the entry of new carriers. A proposal under consideration would involve Veolia operating rail service under the Air France name from Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris to destinations such as Amsterdam, Frankfurt and others.

This move has occurred as airlines continue to struggle with record oil prices and pressure to discontinue flights where alternative transport is available. Short flights are typically disproportionately expensive in terms of fuel, as a large quantity is required for take off.

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