Flights Cancelled As Air France Pilots Continue Strike

Paris, France (AHN) - Air France pilots voted Sunday to continue their strike, causing many of the airline's domestic and European flights to be cancelled.

The strike began on Friday and is expected to last until midnight on Monday. The pilots are striking over planned changes to the company's pension plan.

The new rules would end the forced-retirement age of 60 and extend it to age 65. The policy would come into effect in 2010.

The pilots argue the rules would put public safety at risk and damage prospects for younger pilots.

The strike could cost Air France $127 million at a time when the airline is already experiencing tough economic times, the company's chief executive Jean-Cyril Spinetta said.

Air France operates 73 long-haul flights a day from Paris.