New Slovenian flag carrier possible under new government
The make-up of the new Slovenian government has been unveiled with two of the three governing parties strongly supporting the set-up of a new flag carrier while the designated Minister for Infrastructure, the former Prime Minister Alenka Bratušek, was the most outspoken advocate for a new national airline during the election campaign. The governing coalition will be made up of three parties- The Freedom Movement, the Left and Social Democrats - as well as several individuals from parties which did not reach the necessary threshold to enter parliament, such as Ms Bratušek. Out of the three parties which have agreed to form a cabinet, only the Freedom Movement has said it is “least in favour” of setting up a new state-owned airline but reiterated, “It is essential to re-ensure Slovenia's international connectivity with Europe and capitals in third countries, which are crucial for economic development, international trade and tourism”.
The Left has said a new national airline is in the country’s strategic interest. It has suggested for a new state-owned airline to be established in the short-term. Similarly, the Social Democrats have said they support the establishment of a national airline, pointing out that connectivity is essential for an open and small economy. Ms Bratušek, who was also the Minister for Infrastructure at the time when flag carrier Adria Airways declared bankruptcy in September 2019, has said she would establish a new national airline - Air Slovenia - if her party were to be part of the next government. Ms Bratušek previously said she repeatedly warned against the sale of Adria Airways to the German capital fund 4K Invest, noting that the then government of Slovenia should have found a strategic partner within the aviation industry that would have ensured the long-term existence and development of the carrier. Key people at 4K Invest are under investigation over their role in Adria’s collapse and are accused of fraud and theft.
Slovenia is still the slowest recovering European aviation market, excluding Ukraine which is currently in a state of war. Commenting on the potential establishment of a new national airline, the General Manager of operator Fraport Slovenija, Babett Stapel, said last month, “I cannot decide whether Slovenia or the state should establish a national carrier. However, I can say that if it is established, it will be more than welcome on our part. We support any development that is sustainable and increases connectivity”. She added, “The first and most important thing is recovery and to get passengers back. The future challenge will be to deal with rising inflation, prices and costs. I don't even count the crises anymore: the collapse of Adria Airways, the Covid-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, the fall in economic growth ... But we are moving forward”.
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