Minister for Tourism and Culture Francis Zammit Dimech told The Times on Sunday that talks between Easyjet and the government "have not technically failed" but it is very unlikely an agreement will be reached on routes which the airline had applied for so far.
The Minister was reacting to a statement issued by the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association, last Friday, which said that the talks "have failed".
The MHRA had pointed out that "this was yet another serious setback to the tourism industry and to the efforts needed to reverse the rapidly declining arrival figures from Malta's major core markets".
The Times added that Dr Zammit Dimech said that during the talks Easyjet asked for market support at Gatwick, a route which is well served. The government was willing to offer assistance to airlines, which were prepared to operate from destinations which are underserved or not served at all.
He said that the low-cost airline had also wanted to operate from Luton but withdrew its application when another low-cost airline applied for the same route.
The government, remarked Dr Zammit Dimech, has to be responsible in such decisions which could badly effect the economy.
However, added the Minister, Easyjet will be free to apply when calls will be issued for other routes. Asked to mention the routes in the pipeline, he said these would be in line with the policy as announced in April for the first call.
See also:
Talks for easyJet to operate to Malta fail - MHRA
by MaltaMedia News - Oct 7, 2006
© Copyright 2006 - MaltaMedia Online Network
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