"The Region doesn't let anyone take the bait, this must be clear." When it comes to Sardinian airports and the disputed merger project, the Transport Councilor Antonio Moro abandons the moderate register for a moment and presses on the accelerator: «Many have now expressed their opinions: the latest negative opinion is from the Court of accounts, and follows those of Enac, the anti-corruption authority and the court. Everyone certifies that the plan is not in line with the rules."
Why is the Region against the airport holding company made up of F2i and the Cagliari Chamber of Commerce?
«You cannot give the access keys to the island to a large private monopoly entity, which has the legitimate objective of maximizing profits, but not the increase in passenger traffic and the development of Sardinia».
Yet the Chamber of Commerce wants to move forward, despite the challenges of the Court of Auditors.
«It is not up to me to reiterate the authority of the opinion. If anything, it is up to those who requested that judgment to take note of it and understand that the project must stop."
Are there interests that go beyond the creation of a single airport network?
«The private entities involved in the operation could let it be understood, the way in which they persist in carrying forward a plan that has seen so many negative pronouncements confirms it. But I can already say that the Region will defend its reasons at every opportunity."
The Government's cap on airfares has fallen and there is a risk of further price increases.
«The fear is well founded and we will do everything to ensure that this can be averted. It is clear that the Region, faced with European rules that limit the scope of action on tickets for non-resident passengers, has few weapons, other than those of moral suasion".
But until a few years ago the single tariff was in force with the approval of the EU .
«Yes, then the guidelines changed and the island was penalized. It all derives from particular attention from the directorates general of the European Commission, especially that which deals with Competition, in the aftermath of the announced "airlift" of the Pigliaru Council. The flight frequencies went beyond the concept of minimum service that the EU uses as a parameter. Positions have hardened and the consequence is the current tenders, which do not satisfy us."
