Air France and the national rail operator SNCF have commenced discussions related to several transport projects in France. This also includes projects to improve and develop the airport and the train services that are operated by the airline.

While commenting on the talks, the directors of both the companies made a note that the talks are scheduled well in advance before the railway-deregulation hits the railway industry pronouncing its effect across Europe. Notably, railway de-regulation is likely to exert more pressure on the European airline companies.

Presently, the SNCF has been hiring out not less than ten trains per day to Air France for use on the route between Brussels and Charles de Gaulle Airport. Most notably, this route has been dedicated to use by the customers of airlines.

As per present regulations, any airline that would like to offer its train services within another country in Europe is allowed to operate the said service only in terms of an agreement with that company in the said country. For instance, in Germany such an agreement has to be set up with Deutsche Bahn.
Once the new EU regulations come into effect in 2010, such services shall be allowed without such agreements as the first step towards complete de-regulation of the rail industry across Europe by 2017.

Noting the stiff competition in the short-haul routes, Jean-Cyril Spinetta, Air France executive said, "Our flights can run against the TGV on routes of three hours or more, but no company, not even the low-costs, can match it for time on routes less than two hours." 

He added, contact: www.airfrance.com