Extra flights between menorca and mallorca planned

Possible one-way inter-island flights for 27.5 euros in future

FLIGHTS. To be more frequent than Air Nostrum´s schedule

The proposed subsidy would cost 36 million euros per year, of which the Balearic Government would pay 17 million and the State Govt. the rest

Christine M. Watterson.Maó

The President of the Balearic Government, Jaume Matas, has proposed that the present system of discounts for residents on flights between islands be scrapped and replaced by a single fixed price of 27.5 euros each way for everyone, including tourists.

This new tariff would be applicable from 1st January 2007 but is dependent on the State Government agreeing to transfer to the Balearic Government the amount of money required for the current system of residents´ subsidies, which is estimated at 18,736,500 euros for next year.

The total cost of operating the proposed scheme is estimated at 35,959,204 euros and the Balearic Government would have to provide the balance of 17,222,704 euros.

In addition to reducing the prices, the Government believes it would be feasible to increase the frequency of flights by 12.5%, especially first thing in the morning, late at night and at weekends. These proposals are based on the findings of a study carried out by the Department of Tourism in Mallorca.

The Government feels that introducing a "single price" ticket for both residents and tourists would stimulate demand and have a positive effect on tourism, economic activity and cultural and social life. The move would also rectify an injustice in that currently non-E.U. immigrants are not entitled to the discount, even if they are resident on the island.

Jaume Matas justifies the proposal by citing the need to find an "urgent" solution to the problem of the continual non-fulfilment of the declaration of public air service.

The proposal is that the Balearic Government would hire five ATR-72 70-seat aircraft, three of which would be based in Mallorca, one in Menorca and the other in Ibiza. The rental charge would account for 49% of the estimated cost of the scheme, a further 11% would go on fuel, 17% on handling services, 8% on airport taxes and 10% would be commercial capital.

Although the initial outlay required is large, the forecast is that the new scheme would attract 18% more passengers, increasing the number of inter-island travellers from the current 531,477 to 628,992 passengers per year.

The proposal is dependent on the State Government giving its approval to the scheme.

Iscomar and Baleària to join forces for winter

The two shipping lines Iscomar and Baleària have agreed to join forces over the winter months to cover the Ciutadella-Alcúdia route.

From yesterday until 23rd March only one ferry will operate between the two ports, usually the "Nura Nova" except for the 2-3 weeks after 8th January when the vessel will go for its annual seaworthiness inspection and will be replaced by the "Ramón Llull".

Passengers buying tickets through either of the two companies will use whichever ferry is in service at the time, as will any cargo being transported.

The agreement reached between the two companies also applies to the routes between Mallorca and Ibiza and Ibiza and Formentera over the same period of time.

From 23rd March, when the numbers of passengers will increase, each shipping line will again operate its own vessels.