Staffers and unions of Air France KLM have told the French government they want no interference in the alliance’s problems.

Otherwise, they said, the Franco-Dutch carrier will suffer the same fate as Alitalia, Sabena, Malev and other European airlines which were toppled by government intervention.

In an open letter to French president Emmanuel Macron they said the French state, which has a 14% stake in Air France KLM, should not get involved in the search for a new CEO, the Financieele Dagblad reported on Friday.

The letter was published in French business journal La Tribune. Among those signing it were Steven Verhagen, former president of the Dutch pilots union VNV, and Rob Swankhuizen of Dutch airline technicians union NVLT.

The airline is seeking a replacement for Jean-Marc Janaillac who stepped down in May after losing support of Air France personnel. The CEO serves as head of both Air France KLM and Air France itself.

Strikes

It has been a turbulent period for the dominant French partner, which has lost at least €400m due to strikes which have afflicted the airline the beginning of the year. KLM has had a good year, outpacing Air France in revenues.

The next CEO of Air France will be the allied airlines’ fourth in five years. So far, the French have yet to come up with a suitable candidate for the post. Critics say that in itself is one of the chief reasons for the downturn at Air France.

The open letter said the future CEO must possess both charisma and experience in the airline industry.

French business magazine challenges  said earlier this week that KLM president Pieter Elbers is eminently suitable for the job. The journal added that Elbers would have the support of Air France management.