On Thursday, Air France-KLM reported record sales in 2023, in line with expectations, but said the group's operations were not yet optimal due to supply chain disruptions.

European airlines are expecting strong demand in 2024, but constraints on supply chains have led to higher costs and delays in maintenance operations.

The airline's sales came to 30 billion euros in 2023, up 14% year-on-year, driven by ticket sales. Operating margin rose by 1.2 points year-on-year to 5.7%.

However, the lack of spare parts and the shortage of manpower posed challenges for the Group.

Despite this, Air France-KLM succeeded in reducing its net debt by 1.3 billion euros to 5 billion euros by 2023.

"We are pleased to have been able to further strengthen our balance sheet and restore the Group's equity," said Air France-KLM CEO Benjamin Smith in a statement.

The airline said, however, that its fourth-quarter operating profit was down 190 million euros on the previous year, with a loss of 56 million euros, affected by the geopolitical situation in Africa and the Middle East. (French version Camille Raynaud, edited by Tangi Salaün)