Air France CEO Benjamin Smith Resigns Due to Health Concerns

Air France CEO Benjamin Smith Steps Down Amidst Health Issues
Transition Marks End of an Era as Airline Seeks New Leadership to Navigate Post-Pandemic Recovery and Industry Challenges

Paris, France – In a significant development for the global aviation industry, Air France-KLM announced that its Chief Executive Officer, Benjamin Smith, has officially stepped down from his role due to ongoing health concerns. Smith, who took the reins in 2018 as the first non-French CEO of the airline group, leaves behind a legacy marked by strategic transformation, labor reforms, and the unprecedented turbulence brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The announcement was made in a press release issued early Thursday morning, where the board of directors expressed deep gratitude for Smith’s leadership and acknowledged the personal health struggles that prompted his resignation. The company emphasized that Smith’s decision was made in consultation with his medical advisors and with the best interests of the company in mind.

“Benjamin has played an extraordinary role in transforming Air France into a more resilient and competitive airline,” said Anne-Marie Couderc, Chair of the Board. “His decision to step down due to health reasons is one we deeply respect and support. The board will now focus on ensuring a smooth leadership transition and continuity in our strategic vision.”

A Transformative Leader Amid Crisis

Smith’s tenure at Air France-KLM began during a turbulent time. When he was appointed in 2018, the airline was struggling with repeated labor strikes, fractured relations with unions, and profitability concerns. Drawing from his successful 20-year career at Air Canada, Smith quickly set about stabilizing the company by negotiating new labor agreements, restructuring routes, and streamlining operations.

One of his early and most significant achievements was restoring labor peace through multi-year agreements with Air France’s pilot and cabin crew unions—ending years of industrial unrest. He also led efforts to modernize the airline’s fleet and services, investing heavily in fuel-efficient aircraft, digital infrastructure, and premium in-flight offerings.

However, no challenge was greater than the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought global air travel to a halt in early 2020. Under Smith’s leadership, Air France-KLM navigated the crisis with aggressive cost-cutting measures, government-backed loans, and strategic partnerships. While the airline posted heavy losses during the peak pandemic years, its ability to survive and gradually rebound was seen as a testament to Smith’s steady hand and industry experience.

“His resilience during the pandemic was nothing short of remarkable,” said aviation analyst Jean-Paul Marrot. “He kept the airline afloat while ensuring employee protections and long-term structural changes.”

Health Issues Behind the Resignation

Although the specifics of Smith’s health condition were not disclosed, insiders suggest the CEO had been grappling with a chronic medical issue for over a year, requiring intermittent absences from his duties. His recent workload, combined with international travel obligations and the pressure of leading a major airline in recovery, reportedly exacerbated his condition.

In a statement accompanying the announcement, Smith said, “Serving as CEO of Air France-KLM has been the honor of my professional life. However, health must come first. After careful thought and consultation, I have decided to step away and focus on my recovery. I am proud of what we have accomplished and confident in the leadership team we have built.”

Smith’s resignation is effective immediately, though he has agreed to assist the board during the transition period in an advisory capacity.

Search for a Successor

The board has initiated a formal executive search for Smith’s replacement, considering both internal and external candidates. While no interim CEO has been publicly named, speculation is growing around a few key figures within the organization, including Air France COO Catherine Villar and KLM President Marjan Rintel.

Industry observers suggest that the board may be inclined to appoint a leader with strong operational experience and a deep understanding of Europe’s competitive aviation landscape, especially as the airline faces renewed competition from low-cost carriers and rising fuel prices.

The incoming CEO will be tasked with continuing the company’s recovery, expanding transatlantic routes, navigating EU environmental regulations, and potentially integrating new sustainability strategies into the airline’s long-term business model.

Market Reaction and Industry Response

Following the announcement, shares of Air France-KLM dipped slightly in early trading, reflecting investor uncertainty around leadership changes. However, analysts believe the overall strategic direction of the company remains intact, and that Smith’s departure will not significantly derail ongoing initiatives.

“This is a personal decision, not a strategic pivot,” said Caroline Lefebvre, an aviation industry consultant. “The airline’s recovery plan is already in motion, and much of the foundational work has been completed. It’s about execution now.”

The wider aviation community has responded with an outpouring of support for Smith. Airlines for Europe (A4E), the industry lobbying group where Smith served on the board, released a statement calling him “a transformative figure in European aviation” and wishing him “a full and speedy recovery.”

Legacy and Future Outlook

Benjamin Smith leaves Air France-KLM at a time when the company is stabilizing after one of the most challenging periods in modern airline history. Under his leadership, Air France successfully implemented key structural reforms, improved its financial posture, and reasserted itself as a global premium brand.

His focus on sustainability—championing next-generation aircraft, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting green aviation fuels—also helped reposition the airline as a forward-looking player in a rapidly changing industry.

Looking ahead, Air France-KLM’s board and executive team will face crucial decisions about long-haul strategy, digital transformation, and fleet renewal. But they do so with a strong foundation laid by a leader whose impact is widely recognized across the sector.

As Benjamin Smith steps back to prioritize his health, the aviation world watches closely to see who will take up the reins and lead Air France-KLM into its next chapter.