Glitz, Glamour and Style

Once again, Air France – the official airline of the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) – welcomed festival-goers at its Air France Bistro on Festival Street last weekend (Sept. 6-9) and it also used the opportunity to introduce it’s new vice-president and general manager in Canada to a select group of travel trade types.

With the Air France Bistro pop-up Parisian-style café – including a a four-metre high Eiffel Tower – as the background, the new vice-president and general manager Air France-KLM Canada, Vincent Etchebehere told the gathering, “We are pleased to be able to add a little French touch in the middle of Toronto and proud to sponsor the Platform program and present the award to the winner of this category aimed at showcasing the next generation of filmmakers.”

Confident, calm and clearly capable, Etchebehere has an ambitious five point priority plan for Air France-KLM’s operations and brand building in Canada.

“It is a very exciting time for Air France-KLM globally, but especially here in Canada,” said Etchebehere. “We want to be a true leader in the airline industry in terms of an unprecedented level of service and customer intimacy.”

While there are no plans for new routes from Canada at the moment, the priority for Etchebehere is to increase capacity on existing routes.

“At the moment we’re operating three daily flights from Toronto to Europe — two daily to Amsterdam and one daily to Paris,” explains Etchebehere. “Beginning at the end of October, we’ll be increasing from seven to nine flights weekly from Toronto to Paris, that’s 10% more seats year over year.”

In addition, there is a concerted effort to bring more and more passengers from smaller Canadian cities to connect with their Canadian hubs. An innovative way they’re trying to increase connectivity is through Air France shuttle buses that run from Ottawa and Quebec City to Montreal’s international airport.

Just a month into his new gig and Etchebehere is already well-versed on the ins, outs, and trends within the Canadian market. He has clearly defined and attainable goals, and seems truly enthusiastic about his new team.

“I love Canada so far, and I’m sincerely impressed by the quality, professionalism, and commitment of the team.”

Pictured, Vincent Etchebehere, the new vice-president and general manager Air France-KLM Canada.