13 DEC 2018: Air France has announced that Anne Rigail will become the CEO of the airline. She will replace Benjamin Smith, who was appointed acting CEO of Air France through the end of 2018. Previously the airline’s executive vice president customer service, Rigail will assume her new role as CEO on December 17.

Air France faces contentious wage negotiations with pilots and flight attendants and has been hit by a series of damaging strikes.

Rigail, a 27-year veteran of the airline, says she is extremely honoured by the promotion. Smith says Rigail has always paid special attention to employees, and he expresses confidence that the airline can meet its challenges.

She will be the first female CEO of Air France as well as the first female CEO of a major global airline.