Hoekstra supports Elbers as tensions mount with parent group Air France-KLM

Deal with majority of staff is seen as pathway to restoring the ailing flag carrier’s fortunes

Benjamin Smith must rebuild brand to make French side of business competitive

Smith rejects prospect of Paris bailout idea ahead of talks with unions

Dutch airline ‘delighted’ to reach agreement ahead of arrival of new chief executive

Dutch pilots reject labour deal while French workers criticise appointment of foreigner

Air Canada COO Benjamin Smith will be first non-French chief to lead the airline

Rumoured appointment of Air Canada COO faces resistance from French unions

Profits drop almost 80% as industrial action and higher oil prices take their toll

Troubled airline has been without a chief executive since May

Veolia CFO hits out at French state intervention in appointment process

Hotelier approaches investors in part to alleviate concerns about foreign ownership

Deal could allow French state to sell down its position in troubled airline

French leader faces decisions on next chief and whether to keep open bailout option