TODAY'S READ
HOSTED BY: https://1airtravel.com
Ryanair’s CEO Eddie Wilson has ruled out the introduction of flights to Ljubljana, claiming the airport there is too expensive for the budget carrier. Furthermore, Mr Wilson criticised the Slovenian government’s decision to sell Ljubljana’s airport operator to Germany’s Fraport in 2015. It comes after Ryanair unveiled plans to open a base in nearby Trieste this summer. The carrier will station a Boeing 737 MAX 8 jet in the Italian city, which is located 115 kilometres from Ljubljana Airport, and launch new two weekly services to Berlin, Brindisi, Krakow, Beauvais, and Seville from March 31, complementing twelve existing destinations. Slovenia is currently the only European Union member state to which Ryanair does not operate any flights. Speaking to reporters in Trieste, Mr Wilson said, “Slovenia and Greece are the only two countries that sold their airport infrastructure to foreigners, which in my opinion is a short-sighted move. Since foreign investors are not interested in the development of the region, they are only interested in profit. Therefore, unfortunately, Ryanair does not invest in Ljubljana, because it is simply too expensive”. The Slovenian government granted Fraport the right to operate Ljubljana Airport’s infrastructure for a period of 99 years after the German company acquired the airport’s operator. Mr Wilson said Trieste was selected as a base after the municipal government abolished local airport taxes. Ryanair has shown interest in Ljubljana on numerous occasions. It last held talks with the Slovenian government in January 2023. Ljubljana Airport has previously said it held talks with Ryanair noting, “We welcome all airlines that fit into our business model”. It also denied that it is an expensive airport. General Manager, Babett Stapel, noted late last year, “We would like to set the record straight - our charges aren't keeping airlines from taking flight. Market size is a key factor”. Ms Stapel pointed out that discounts are offered to new carries launching flights to Slovenia and that Fraport Slovenija's fees are competitive.
EX-YU Aviation NewsBy: EX-YU Aviationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/[email protected]
Title: Ryanair CEO: Ljubljana Airport “simply too expensive”
Sourced From: www.exyuaviation.com/2024/01/ryanair-ceo-ljubljana-airport-simply.html
Published Date: Thu, 01 Feb 2024 08:00:00 +0000
