Giovanni Bisignani, the Director General and CEO of International Air Transport Association (IATA), has criticised plans by 19 Eurocontrol states to increase fees on overflight routes.
According to IATA, states that have proposed an increase in fee include Poland, Romania, Hungary, Austria, Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Armenia, Serbia-Montenegro, Sweden, France, Albania, United Kingdom, Italy, Ireland, Denmark, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Germany and Lithuania.
Belgium, Cyprus, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Slovenia and Slovakia have decided to maintain their current rates. On the other hand, Portugal, Croatia, Greece, Moldova, Malta, Bulgaria and Finland have plans to slash their rates.
While applauding the efforts of the 15 states that reduced or maintained their air navigation rates, Bisignani also stated that the efforts of these states were undermined by those who had planned a price hike that was unjustifiable and hasty.
Bisignani disclosed that the 2.7 % price hike will amount to an addition of $360m to airline costs in 2010.
The IATA chief opined that the present economic downturn demanded a more responsible approach by states and their ANSPs. He added that the untimely price hikes have reinforced the need for a tougher performance framework under the Single European Sky regulations.
For the smart Business Traveler Tudour Court Hotel meets all your needs!