|
Kurt Sansone
Irish-based low cost carrier Ryanair may start operating from Malta as early as next winter and is currently discussing the proposal with Malta International Airport, MaltaToday can reveal.
MIA Chief Executive Officer Peter Bolech confirmed that airport officials were currently in discussions with Ryanair to determine the best possible package that can be offered and ensure everything conformed to EU regulations.
“Ryanair wanted to start operating this summer but postponed their plans until next winter. We are in discussions with them because when a carrier like Ryanair decides to operate from a place it enters the market in a big way,” Bolech told MaltaToday.
Two German low-cost carriers and the Swedish Snowflake already operate flights from MIA but Ryanair's entry into the market would increase competition and possibly contribute to the airport's growth. The carrier has made a name for itself across Europe and is one of the major players in the low-cost category.
“I do hope that Ryanair would start operating from MIA because it would not only add value to the airport but also to the Maltese economy, in particular the tourism sector,” Bolech said.
In Vienna airport, which is a principle shareholder in MIA, low-cost carriers accounted for at least one-third of the growth in the number of passengers utilising the airport over the past year. Offering dirt-cheap prices – Ryanair’s London to Milan is Stg99p and to Palermo is Stg5 - the low cost carriers have gained in popularity and are now considered to be one of the growth pillars, alongside the domestic carrier Austrian Airlines, for Vienna airport.
kurt@newsworksltd.com
|
