Alexandre de Juniac, the CEO of Air France, has scaled back the number of jobs it plans to cut in 2016 to fewer than 1,000, down from the 2,900 it earlier proposed, according to a report from Reuters.
The job losses in 2017 could be avoided if the talks with unions will lead to an agreement on alternative savings measures by the beginning of next year.
Reuters adds that Air France presented its Plan B earlier this month, which would have resulted in massive job losses, after failing to get the pilots to sign up to the productivity measures.
The measures would have involved working more hours for the same pay.
Reuters adds that Air France's Plan B received major backlash from its employees and resulted in scuffles where senior managers had their clothes ripped off.
The angry employees stormed the managers meeting following the announcement of Plan B in an embarrassing scene for the French Government as it tries to boost investment and bring unemployment down.
BBC adds that five Air France employees, which are thought to be members of the CGT union, were arrested last Monday.
The arrested employees will appear in court on December 2, 2015.
BBC adds that the scuffle resulted in injuries to seven people, including a security guard who was knocked unconscious.
De Juniac said that the scene has damaged Air France.
Reuters adds that De Juniac said in an on RTL radio and LCI news channel that the Plan B takes place over two years, in 2016 and 2017, with 2016 already under way.
He also said that Plan B for 2017 could be avoided if negotiations are successful.
"If negotiations are successful by the start of 2016, we can avoid implementing Plan B for 2017, which means reverting to the 'Plan A', the 'Perform' plan," he said in the interview.
Reuters adds that de Juniac said that previous efficiency measures enable Air France to make a profit this year.
But the airline still has higher costs compared to some of its rivals.
BBC adds that the company has posted an annual profit of almost €1.6 billion in February, down €266 million from the previous 12 months.
Air France shares closed €6.38 in Paris on Friday.
