newstodate.aero
Jan 22, 2010 (newstodate): As the only Baltic state to officially lend its support to the concept of a pan-Baltic carrier, Lithuania is determined to go all the way towards a final decision on the issue.
The staunch attitude reflects the fact that Lithuania lost its national carrier already one year ago as flyLAL folded its wings in bankruptcy from early January 2009.
Since then the Latvian carrier airBaltic has taken the lead in providing new air services at Vilnius Airport, while traffic by other carriers are only slowly building up.
After an initial investigation, the Lithuanian government has also come to the conclusion that the state lacks the financial power to support the creation of a new Lithuanian national carrier alone.
The idea of a pan-Baltic carrier to serve the joint demands for air services in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania therefore remains an option in the eyes of Lithuania.
-At present it is difficult to say whether the Pan-Baltic airline will be established. This will depend on the decision of officials of the Baltic States, says Arunas Malinovskis, spokesman for the Lithuanian Ministry of Transportation.
-A Pan-Baltic airline could emerge if all Baltic countries would coordinate their interests. It could be formed provided the heads of States and ministers make positive decisions. Then it will be possible to take new steps towards the establishment of such a company.
-The Lithuanian Ministry of Transport and Communications considers that such company should be based on airlines presently operating in the Baltic States. It would be a joint combination of already existing companies. It would not be advisable to create an entirely new company.
-A decision will be clear after the analysis of present situation and intentions of other Baltic States. This issue will be discussed in the nearest future, in January or early February, at the upcoming meeting of Prime Ministers of the Baltic States, says Mr Malinovskis.
The staunch attitude reflects the fact that Lithuania lost its national carrier already one year ago as flyLAL folded its wings in bankruptcy from early January 2009.
Since then the Latvian carrier airBaltic has taken the lead in providing new air services at Vilnius Airport, while traffic by other carriers are only slowly building up.
After an initial investigation, the Lithuanian government has also come to the conclusion that the state lacks the financial power to support the creation of a new Lithuanian national carrier alone.
The idea of a pan-Baltic carrier to serve the joint demands for air services in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania therefore remains an option in the eyes of Lithuania.
-At present it is difficult to say whether the Pan-Baltic airline will be established. This will depend on the decision of officials of the Baltic States, says Arunas Malinovskis, spokesman for the Lithuanian Ministry of Transportation.
-A Pan-Baltic airline could emerge if all Baltic countries would coordinate their interests. It could be formed provided the heads of States and ministers make positive decisions. Then it will be possible to take new steps towards the establishment of such a company.
-The Lithuanian Ministry of Transport and Communications considers that such company should be based on airlines presently operating in the Baltic States. It would be a joint combination of already existing companies. It would not be advisable to create an entirely new company.
-A decision will be clear after the analysis of present situation and intentions of other Baltic States. This issue will be discussed in the nearest future, in January or early February, at the upcoming meeting of Prime Ministers of the Baltic States, says Mr Malinovskis.