There is a very tough match that is being played far from Calabria, but which affects our region very closely. We’re talking about the controversy between the low-cost airline Ryanair and the Italian Government after the issuance of decree against high flight prices.
The decree prevents airlines from using algorithms that raise prices during periods of peak demand (such as summer) exceeding a level of 200 percent compared to the average value. A way to keep ticket prices down but for the CEO of Ryanair, Michael O’Learyrisks producing the opposite effect i.e cutting all unprofitable routes. Company managers are usually very cautious when commenting on things of this type, but to understand what point the conflict has reached, just read the Irish manager’s statements. «It is a stupid and idiotic decreewhich will reduce flights by increasing fares.”
But O’Leary didn’t stop at the invective. He already has decided to cut flights from Sicily and Sardinia by 10% and announced that only international flights will depart from Orio al Serio airport this winter. The Minister of Business, Adolfo Ursohe did not lose his composure and replied with equal determination: «Italy is a sovereign country, it does not allow itself to be blackmailed by anyone». In short, we are at zero level of diplomatic relations. Not by chance Ryanair says it is convinced that the European Union will block this decree. Maybe. But before arriving at a pronouncement, the decree will have already partially had its effects. And it is not excluded that other low cost airlines could make similar decisions to Ryanair.
This is of great interest to Calabria, which is betting very heavily on the Irish company. «For us, Ryanair is a fundamental partner – Marco Franchini, sole director of Sacal, tells us – it is the reference carrier for Calabria and we aim to increase the relationship with this company so we are going against the trend compared to Sicily or Sardinia”.
It is no coincidence that the president of the regional council, Roberto Occhiuto, in his recent visit to Brussels, wanted to meet the leaders of the Irish company. It is not known in detail how the meeting went. Those who saw Occhiuto after his return to Calabria say that the president is very satisfied with this chat and that there will soon be big news, especially with reference to the Reggio Calabria airport. Little or no news on these innovations, most likely they will be illustrated when they materialize. In the meantime it should be reported as from January to August last year, 52% of flights at the Lamezia Terme airport were Ryanair. There are 18 routes in total which manages the company from Sant’Eufemia for 6126 arrivals and departures. Even more incisive is the presence of Ryanair in Crotone where it practically guarantees 100% of the faces with three routes which involved 1016 arrivals and departures. In short, without Ryanair the risk is that the Calabrian airport system will go haywire (as happened some time ago in Alghero).
The clash between the Government and Ryanair must therefore be followed with interest without forgetting that the Government has every intention of tightening the contributions that the Regions give (including Calabria) to low cost airlines to activate flights. In total last year the Regions spent around 300 million, according to estimates by the Transport Authority. Public money, says President Nicola Zaccheo today, which they have in part drugged the market. For this reason the Authority announces a crackdown on this too. «It will be necessary to demonstrate – Zaccheo said yesterday – that the incentive does not alter the market, and it must have precise characteristics. One above all: it cannot affect just one operator. At the end of the process there will be a significant cut in this aid.” And what will Ryanair do?
2023-09-15 04:30:00
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