Air France announces low cost subsidiary for Asia flights

Air France-KLM has outlined plans to establish a new low cost subsidiary flying to Asia with the proposed name of

Air France-KLM chairman and ceo Jean-Marc Janaillac yesterday said Boost would be a two-class cabin product, offering a lower price point than its main-line operation out of CDG.

It will comprise 10 jets, sourced from AF’s existing fleet, with a lie-flat Business class product.

It will launch sometime in the winter of 2017 taking over some of Air France's least profitable routes.

Staff deployed with Boost would be on lower wages and Air France pilots would work longer hours for the same pay, the company said.

Although few specific details have been disclosed, onboard service would be pared down compared to the current Air France in-flight experience but would be more comprehensive than a typical LCC.

The airline plans to use Airbus A340 quad-jets (pictured) on so far unannounced routes to Asia.

The airline said Asia will be the initial focus before possibly expanding to transatlantic flights to the US.

Air France-KLM is looking to claw back market share lost on lucrative Europe-Asia routes since the emergence of Gulf carriers such as Emirates and Qatar Air.