Paris - Jean-Charles Corbet, formerly an Air France pilot, officially took control of bankrupt airline AOM-Air Liberte this week after Swissair, the former owner, agreed to provide e198 million (about R1,4 billion) as part of a rescue package.
Swissair shares had surged on Monday because last Friday a French commercial court had chosen Corbet to takeover AOM-Air Liberte.
That decision allowed the Swiss company, which held a 49,5 percent stake in the airline, to end its involvement.
The end of Swissair's exposure was subject to agreement on payment of nearly e200 million.
Corbet said Swissair, which is struggling to recover from its own financial crisis, had been cooperative during the discussions.
"We have good relations with them," Corbet said.
He also expressed understanding for the way Swissair had defended its interests.
"In their place, I would have done the same thing," he said.
On Tuesday night Swissair and Corbet agreed that Swissair would provide the money on August 13.
The Swiss airline also said it would provide e7,1 million today to cover the airline's operations until the later date.
Corbet said late yesterday that AOM-Air Liberte had to cancel some weekend flights to Spain and Portugal that had been chartered by the tour operator Look Voyages.
Swissair fell 4,5 percent to Sf130,50 (about R624) yesterday.