Slovenia could establish and finance a new national carrier
Slovenian Minister for Economic Development and Technology Matjaž Han said that the country should not be afraid of establishing a new national airline and subsidizing the main carrier. In an interview with the newspaper Večer, Mr. Han said: “If we subsidize rail and bus passenger transport, we should not be afraid to establish our own airline and subsidize it as well.” Public transport is much more than economic logic.” He added: “A new national carrier is being considered, but we cannot stand idly by until we get there. That’s why we are trying to improve the connectivity of Slovenia by subsidizing the lines.” Newly appointed Minister of Infrastructure Alenka Bratušek announced at the beginning of this month that the government will decide by mid-2023 whether it will be possible to establish a new national carrier.
Yesterday, the National Assembly adopted a bill for greater aviation connectivity in Slovenia. The scheme, which will provide €5.6 million in subsidies to airlines each year for the next three years to cover 50% of their airport charges on new routes, is subject to approval by the European Commission. The aim is to improve air connectivity “with destinations that are of great importance for Slovenia, its citizens, tourism and economy”, announced the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology. Together with the Ministry of Infrastructure, it will choose which lines should be subsidized. Air carriers registered in the EU, as well as those from the Common European Aviation Area, will be able to participate in a public call, which will be organized once the scheme is approved by the EU. Funding will only be provided for routes to which there is no high-speed rail connection from Slovenia or another airport within a radius of 100 kilometers from the destination.