Air France says it will move forward with plans to launch a new lower-cost airline in the autumn, after the main pilots’ SNPL union gave its approval for the project.

The plan dubbed “Boost” aims to operate long and short-haul flights at lower costs; Air France says it hopes to attract business custormers as well as young people going on holiday.

The pilots’ approval – by a 78 percent majority in a vote – follows that of cabin crew; both have agreed to increase productivity as the airline tries to compete with Gulf carriers and budget rivals from the likes of Lufthansa and British Airways.

Air France-KLM shares rose on the news; the airline says it intends to recruit 250 pilots over the next three years.