Brussels, 23/01/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 23 January, the European Commission opened an in-depth investigation to examine whether an Italian scheme granting financial support to certain airport operators in Sardinia and the air carriers operating in these airports is in line with EU state aid rules. At this stage, the Commission has concerns that such public support may procure the beneficiaries an undue economic advantage that their competitors do not have.
In November 2011, Italy notified a compensation scheme aimed at improving air transport services between Sardinia and the European and Italian mainland, notably outside peak holiday periods. Under the scheme, airport operators are compensated for selecting airlines that are able to meet certain annual targets, i.e. frequencies and passenger volume on given strategic routes. In turn, selected airlines are granted financial contributions from the respective airports for delivering these services. The scheme foresees selection of airlines through a tender. (OL/transl.fl)