Benjamin Smith, the current COO of Air Canada, was named the new head of troubled Air FrancE- KLM airline alliance on Thursday evening, the airline said in a statement.

Smith, 46, is credited with much of the economic development of Air Canada and the transformation of the carrier into its present position.

´Smith has been deeply involved in social dialogue at Air Canada. He personally oversaw, along with the human resources division, the collective bargaining talks with trade unions. These negotiations led to historic win-win long-term agreements for the airline, its workforce, and all other stakeholders,’ the statement noted.

The combine’s Air France unit has had very poor relations with its staff for some time now and lost upwards of €400m from strikes earlier this year.

The appointment of Smith closes the gap created by the resignation of Jean-Marc Janaillac as CEO after his latest pay-and-conditions proposal was rejected by striking Air France pilots in early May.

Smith joined Air Canada 19 years ago after leaving university. A French speaker, he has held many positions at the Canadian carrier.