newstodate.aero
Jan 27, 2012 (newstodate): Recent estimates by Estonia's Tallinn Airport indicate an increase in passenger volumes to 2.2 mio in 2012.
The estimate is based on expectations for growing traffic by Estonian Air that has embarked on a strategy of expansion with more destinations, higher frequencies and more regional jet aircraft. Also more low-cost traffic is envisaged for 2012.
As the airport may thus exceed the two mio passengers mark, the airport will be forced to open up for competition in ground handling as well in accordance with EU regulations.
Tallinn Airport has long been on the wishing list by the Latvian ground handling company Havas Europe, formerly named North Hub Services, and the company's CEO, Janis Balkens has repeatedly stated that once the two mio mark was reached, the company would move in.
That was, however, connected to plans, later aborted, by the Latvian carrier airBaltic's plans to establish Tallinn Airport as a new hub for the carrier with traffic to Finland, Sweden and other markets.
Now, Havas Europe is more cautious about plans for Estonia.
-If passenger volumes at Tallinn Airport actually exceeds the two mio mark, it means that we could enter as of 2013. I cannot confirm yet, however, as a lot depends on the concrete market conditions. But we will certainly keep close look at it, says Mr Balkens.
The estimate is based on expectations for growing traffic by Estonian Air that has embarked on a strategy of expansion with more destinations, higher frequencies and more regional jet aircraft. Also more low-cost traffic is envisaged for 2012.
As the airport may thus exceed the two mio passengers mark, the airport will be forced to open up for competition in ground handling as well in accordance with EU regulations.
Tallinn Airport has long been on the wishing list by the Latvian ground handling company Havas Europe, formerly named North Hub Services, and the company's CEO, Janis Balkens has repeatedly stated that once the two mio mark was reached, the company would move in.
That was, however, connected to plans, later aborted, by the Latvian carrier airBaltic's plans to establish Tallinn Airport as a new hub for the carrier with traffic to Finland, Sweden and other markets.
Now, Havas Europe is more cautious about plans for Estonia.
-If passenger volumes at Tallinn Airport actually exceeds the two mio mark, it means that we could enter as of 2013. I cannot confirm yet, however, as a lot depends on the concrete market conditions. But we will certainly keep close look at it, says Mr Balkens.