Slovenian cargo airline proposes new national carrier
The Ljubljana-based cargo airline Solinair has held talks with the Slovenian Ministry for Infrastructure last week over the possibility of launching passenger flights or establishing a new national carrier. According to the daily “Delo”, the airline has proposed two strategies for improving the country’s connectivity following the bankruptcy of Adria Airways late last year. Solinair has suggested for it to either commence commercial passenger flights or establish a new airline which would serve as a national carrier. It is also seeking financial support from the government for the project. It comes following reports that Croatia Airlines will this week submit a proposal to open a base in Ljubljana.
The Slovenian Economy Minister, Zdravko Počivalšek, has confirmed that talks are being held with several airlines. "I'm optimistic that we'll find a solution which will better connect Slovenia with the world by improving its air connectivity, and as part of this, I believe we will find an adequate and EU-compatible solution to encourage airlines", Mr Počivalšek said. He added, “We will opt for a solution that will best connect Ljubljana with destinations that are important to us in terms of business such as Brussels, Frankfurt and Zurich”. Airport operator, Fraport Slovenija, has proposed for the government to provide incentives for airlines to fly to Ljubljana, warning that coronavirus-related restrictions are still hindering the airport’s recovery when compared to its competitors in its immediate region.
Solinair was established in 1991 as a flight training organisation and air taxi operator based in Portorož. Over time it acquired Let L-410 Turbolet aircraft and partnered up with DHL to provide cargo services. It has since relocated to Ljubljana. It currently operates a fleet of two Airbus A300-600 freighter jets. In 2008 it was acquired by Turkish cargo operator MNG Airlines. Solinair also provides maintenance services, maintenance training and flight planning.
Slovenia’s former flag carrier, Adria Airways, declared bankruptcy on September 30 of last year. It’s Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) was purchased by the Slovenian company Air Adriatic, owned by businessman Izet Rastoder, for 45.000 euros. Air Adriatic was set up just days following Adria’s bankruptcy. The carrier’s AOC has been suspended until September 30, 2020, however, it will be reinstated once Air Adriatic fulfils certain obligations set out by the Slovenian Civil Aviation Agency, among which is the possession of operational aircraft. Mr Rastoder’s company will also have to take on a number of obligations. Among them is the amendment of any discrepancies that arose following the revocation of the airline’s AOC and the launch of bankruptcy procedures. A Slovenian AOC gives its holder rights to maintain commercial services from Slovenia and other European Union-member states.
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