The regional council, with a resolution proposed by the regional councilor for transport, Antonio Moro, today approved the bill for the development of air traffic in Sardinia, which provides for the granting of aid to carriers for the activation of new connections from and for the three Sardinian airports.

The provision will be financed with 5 million euros for 2023 and 10 million euros for each of the years 2024 and 2025, resources obtained from the auction rebates of the territorial continuity tenders.

SOLINAS – «It is an innovative and strategic bill – comments the president of the Region, Christian Solinas – with which the Sardinian model of territorial continuity that we are building takes shape. The increase in air traffic at the three Sardinian airports will make it possible to generate new flows and therefore concrete growth prospects for all sectors of our economy. The reduction of airport fees means giving the Region a fundamental tool for planning a network of connections which guarantees, in addition to the social right to mobility, the accessibility of Sardinia, also in terms of territorial cohesion".

MORO – «The main purpose of the bill – explains councilor Moro – is to improve the connectivity of Sardinia and the mobility of citizens of the European Union with new routes that also favor the seasonal adjustment of tourist presences and the connection with the cruise market, thanks to the support of promotion and information activities. For the elaboration of the program of activities, with particular attention to the routes, the transport offer and the duration, teamwork will be carried out between the Transport and Tourism departments, because it is clear that the new flights will have to give a new impetus to the growth of tourism in Sardinia».

«This provision was drawn up with the precious collaboration of the experts of the University of Sassari and with the equally valid contribution of Enac – continues the exponent of the Giunta Solinas – and it is one of the three pillars on which the new model of aerial territorial continuity of the Sardinia Region. The other two pillars are territorial continuity with service charges, on which we are working with Brussels to review some aspects, such as the cap on the non-resident rate, and direct assistance to passengers for reducing the cost of tickets, which will be financed with 2.5 million euros of state resources".

THE BILL – According to the provisions of the bill, aid to carriers may be granted up to a maximum of 50 percent of the airport costs incurred for the routes. Certain criteria will have to be met: the route must promote an increase in the volume of passenger traffic; the aid must not lead to the transfer of passengers from one company to another; the aid cannot be combined with other aid present on the same route, or a comparable route, such as for example public service obligations or other loans which cover the same costs but provided by other States; aid can only be granted if the proposed air service is not already operated between the two airports on the route.

(Unioneonline/lf)

© Riproduzione riservata