Past CEOs had resorted to various twisted plans to avoid antagonizing unions too much. In the last one, and rather than going to a mixed-fleet concept a la BA, they created JOON where the only benefit is a cheaper FA structure but the brand disadvantages are obvious. Simple concepts are not in the French spirit of complex compromises. Let's hope that Ben Smith acts swiftly to take advantage of his good image. It seems that most French employees and politicians do not realize how much AF brand has suffered abroad, and possibly domestically.