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In the coming days a new CEO will be appointed representing the Air France-KLM group in Israel.  Vivian Del Mas replaces Patick Amar who completes four and a half year tenure in the role.  Amar returns to the company’s headquarters in Paris where he will be in responsible for international cooperation.

Del Mas (50) began working for Air France 26 years ago, serving among other roles as manager in the southern United States, in southern Germany and in Tahiti. In her last position she was responsible for the the company's e-commerce and was based in the headquarters in Paris.

In a conversation with Educational Travel, Del Mas explained that it was her intention to learn about the Israeli market in depth and to maintain the flow of passenger traffic to the two hubs of Paris and Amsterdam. When asked how she intended to maintain the correct balance between promoting e-commerce - her previous role and in protecting the market share for travel agents, she responded: “I believe in the ability of travel agents to continue to market the company, they represent most of the traffic for Air France-KLM.”

According to Del Mas, she intends to focus on two distribution channels, since progress on e-commerce is naturally slower. The business model on which Air France works and its impact on Israeli travel agents, which in her opinion is the most viable model for airlines in general and the conflict conducted by travel agents has been accepted with understanding in other countries where it was introduced.

Del Mas also said: “I am delighted to take up my post in Israel after a year of worldwide economic crisis and it is my intention to continue and to strengthen the company in Israel and throughout the world, to provide the passenger with an efficient service and like always to continue to renew and improve the flying experience.”

Patrick Amar, who is completing four and a half years service in Israel, led the merger process between French carrier Air France and the Dutch carrier KLM, transforming them into a single aviation group.  He also implemented the new commission structure, which abolished the payment of basic commission to travel agents.