Airlines and passengers will end up paying more under plans to privatise the Paris airport operator, Iata has warned.
The airline trade body hit out at the plans, warning that airline charges would rise due to higher fees at Charles de Gaulle and Orly in the French capital.
“The privatisation of Aeroports de Paris (AdP) is a highly significant step which must not be taken lightly by the French government,” Iata said.
“The motives behind the privatisation must be to improve the experience for passengers and the efficiency for airlines, not to raise the maximum revenue.
“Unfortunately, the current proposals give us cause for concern. For example, the possibility of the privatisation agreement lasting up to 70 years would be a mistake, removing the flexibility to respond to market conditions which cannot be predicted over such a long period of time.
“This timeframe introduces risks, the consequences of which will ultimately be paid for by passengers and airlines. This will damage French economic competitiveness.”
The state’s 50.6% stake in AdP is valued at €9.5 billion with the planned sale part of a package of measures designed to increase the growth rate of the French economy.
But Iata said: “Before confirming these proposals, we urge the French government to consult more fully with airlines and passenger groups.
“Rather than maximising short-term revenue for the government, the focus and responsibility must be on the best solutions for a more efficient airport, to enhance air connectivity and create greater economic benefits for France.
“Governments need to evaluate the interests of all stakeholders, including airlines and customers. The most important thing is that airports meet the needs of customers and airport infrastructure users, at a fair price. And to do that, the consultation must be an integral part of the consideration process.”