On Monday 5 February, the European Commission announced that it had opened an in-depth investigation to examine more closely the amendments envisaged by France to the restructuring plan for the French airline Corsair.
Corsair's restructuring plan, comprising two measures, was initially approved by the Commission in December 2020.
It included restructuring aid of €106.7 million under the State aid rescue and restructuring guidelines and aid of €30.2 million to compensate for the damage suffered as a result of the emergency measures adopted by the government in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In particular, through its in-depth investigation of the changes to this plan, the Commission wants to ensure that measures are in place to limit the distortions of competition created by the restructuring aid on the internal market for air transport services.
In addition, the institution will examine whether Corsair's contributions or those of the market are sufficient, real, effective and free of any aid.
The Commission will examine the proportionality of the restructuring aid and ensure that the French State receives appropriate remuneration for its intervention.
In addition, the Commission also wishes to examine whether the restructuring plan is likely to restore Corsair's long-term viability within a reasonable timescale without requiring additional or continuing State aid. (Original version in French by Émilie Vanderhulst)