Air Montenegro and Luxair have applied to operate routes out of Slovenia, which will be subsidised by the Slovenian government over the next three years in a bid to improve the country’s connectivity. Despite interest from several legacy and low cost carriers, only the national airlines from Montenegro and Luxembourg submitted formal offers. A final decision on whether the bidders are eligible for the subsidies will be announced after their proposals have been reviewed by a commission made up of officials from the Ministries for Infrastructure, Finance, and the Economy. The government is prirotising the launch of ten routes by providing subsidise to airlines that will operate flights from either Ljubljana, Maribor or Portorož to Brussels, Skopje, Prague, Berlin, Vienna, Copenhagen, Athens, Madrid, Amsterdam and Helsinki.
The bids submitted by Air Montenegro and Luxair have not been publicly disclosed and it is unknown which, if any, of the abovementioned routes either of the two applied for. The development comes just days after the former CEO of Adria Airways, Mark Anžur, was named Air Montenegro’s new Chief Executive. The carrier maintains flights from Podgorica to Ljubljana, which are substituted with services from Tivat over the summer months. On the other hand, Luxair previously said it was studying the possibility of launching flights between Luxembourg and Ljubljana but has never expressed interest in operating out of Slovenia to third countries in the past.
With neither of the two airlines having a base in any of the ten cities the Slovenian government is priroritising for the provision of subsidise, they will be unable to offer passengers connecting flights, which was one of the goals of the scheme. Presently, Air Montenegro is unable to sell connecting flights via Podgorica or Tivat either. In addition to subsidising the launch of pre-determined routes, the Slovenian government is also considering the possibility of setting up a new national carrier, with a decision on the matter to be made over the summer following an in-depth review of market conditions.
Luxair's Dash 8s would be perfect for many of these routes.
ReplyDeleteThat explains (to a degree) the decision to appoint a Slovenian as Air Montenegro CEO.
ReplyDeleteConspiracy theories in 1 2 3 ...
DeleteIf Air Montenegro is to operate flights out of Slovenia then having someone who knows that market well is beneficial, that's all.
DeleteClearly the decision to try that out was taken before the new CEO was appointed.
Clearly the decision about new CEO was taken before the official selection process. Read the local news.
DeleteNaive people who accept everything at face value starting in 3, 2, 1...
DeleteHow will Montenegro as non-EU carrier operate flights within EU? Opening new company in Slovenia and getting local AOC? It means they would also need to get new aircraft because all of their fleet is utilized, especially in summer, and they wet lease aircraft to operate their flights. Too much work for such a small company. But with the new CEO, who knows? On the other hand, Luxair, coming from the richest EU country, might be too expensive. But I must say I am surprised, with both bids, didn't see it coming
DeleteWell that was disappointing
ReplyDeleteThis a bit disappointing, I was really hoping for at least some of the priority routes to be established this year.
ReplyDeleteWhy do you think they can't be established this year?
DeleteI'm not sure they did bid for the 10 routes that are on the priority list.
ReplyDeleteI'm 99% sure they bid on their primary routes, so to Luxembourg and Podgorica. Which is a huge shame
You can't bid for Podgorica and Luxembourg. You have to bid for one of the 10.
DeleteNope you can bid for any routes, but the 10 on the list are given primary position and if there is money left your routes are evaluated
DeleteI believe that ine airline can bid for all 10 routes. For example if national carrier is established than it can grt subsidies for all those routes on that list.
DeletePodgorica or Tivat can't be subsidized in any case. The tender says that routes that are in operation will not be subsidized.
DeleteThey can be if the carrier proves that the added frequency can't be sustained without subsidies
DeleteOnly new routes to ECAC area can be subsidized. Not additional frequencies. The priority list is there only to select the bidders if demand is higher than the budget.
DeleteExpected outcome for most of us. I wonder where are those who predicted all fancy airlines to fight among each other over LJU. Now its crystal clear that we need national carrier more than ever!
ReplyDeleteI was among those who predicted airlines to actually come. Oh boy i was wrong
DeleteThose who admit are forgiven. Amen 😂
DeletePeace to you my brother.
DeleteSame brother I was already hyped to see the results with expectations that airlines would fight for the subsidies… well it didn’t go quite like that
Delete"Air Montenegro and Luxair have applied to operate a number of routes out of Slovenia"
ReplyDeleteHow sure are you about this @admin?
Or did they bid for their primary hubs and that's it?
You can only bid for the routes three govt. requested. Read the tender requirements.
DeleteNo, they can bid for any routes which are not operated at the moment. Read the tender.
DeleteIn any case Air Montenegro can't bid for Podgorica/Tivat.
DeleteTrue anon@09:33... so the real mystery is what they bid for. For Luxair it's clear, it will be Luxembourg, which is great.
DeleteLuxair could have bid for any route really.
DeleteCould have...
DeleteI think neither of the two will meet the tender requirments and the tender will prove unsuccessful.
ReplyDeleteThis is actually government intention, that’s why they lut so many requirements in that tender. Now they can say we tried everything but one and only solution is to estsblish new national carrier. Great move :)
Deleteanon@09:13 stop spreading FAKE NEWS and pure lies.
DeleteOf course we can't say that for sure. In my opinion that was their intention for which i'm which very happy they did it like that. We will see soon if I was right..
Delete@sloavio 11:01, Alenka? That you?
DeleteI know enough details about this tender that I am 100% sure you are just bullshitting around. But I guess you are one of those who believe in "slovenian deep state" that has the power to chase away FR, W6? Which requirement was there, that is not EXPLICITLY required by EU law? NONE. So stop with your BS and look at the facts.
DeleteWe all can see the facts - 2 airlines applied and for 1 we can immediately say it won't get any incentives. I also doubt about second one but lets see. So it's seems BS is coming from you mouth and not mine. And once again as it seems I have to write this several times for you to understand it. I like the way how THIS is created and I support this way 100%. We can not just give money for routes which we already have in LJU.
DeleteSo, tell me, what requirement was set in favor of your idea that the GOV just wanted to prove they need to establish a new carrier? Thats your BS that the tender was just a show for the public. Go, tell me, explain me on what facts your claim was made? NONE, bcs you are just spreading FAKE NEWS
Deleteits the same anons that KNOW that the last macedonian tender was fixed for Wizz lol. dont waste time with them
DeleteMost probably. So ridicolous.
DeleteTiming condition (morning departure which means that plane has to do overnight at LJU), number of frequencies (not in favour for LCC which normally operates with less frequencies and bigger planes). And as already explained before, I believe that's my opinion as it was stated in government before that this tender will give a lot of answers rather Slovenia needs national carrier or not. And in my OPINION it needs it and this tender outcome just proved that. And no, I did not comment any Macedonian tender as my focus is mostly in Slo aviation.
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DeleteYour focus is mostly on SLO aviation but you dont care to even read a tender before you comment? Timing condition, frequencies ARE NOT REQUIREMENTS, but they bring you additional points. Additional points are relevant only if there are more bidders than there are funds. So, its your OPINION, but ITS WRONG, because it has nothing to do with facts. And yes, you can take your words back about the "whole conspiracy" on which you still instist, even tho its obviously FAKE NEWS. Tender is TOTALLY OPEN and its limited only with EU law requirements.
DeleteLol take a breath mrs Big Picture
DeleteCan we see multiple airlines operating to SKP since SKP is still mentioned as a destination for which incentives are offered?
ReplyDeleteWith only 2 carriers who applied anything, but literally anything will be good.
DeleteEven if they start maribor-osijek they'll get paid
This Osijek - Maribor sounds like a very good idea for Croatia Airlines, that's their level. They could even use something smaller than Q400, maybe codeshare with Trade Air on Saab, or Turbolet, even better. Then from Maribor, they can sell DB train ticket to Graz, and then in Graz, the center city of their mental Universe, they hand you over to their "partner" airline Cartel/LH, for flights to FRA, and any other connecting destination worldwide 😃 Meanwhile Air Serbia flies to New York, Chicago, China....
DeleteExactly Pozdrav, now you see why OU did that big-brain move to partner with DB....that advanced thinking from Jasmin is just incredible:)
DeleteOne more reason to establish national carrier.
ReplyDelete+1
DeleteAnd yet again it probably won't happen because they will come to the conclusion that we don't need one...
DeleteWe went from dreaming about 12 carriers to asking ourselves if we'll get 2 routes or more.
ReplyDeleteTRAGIC
Can someone explain why Air Montenegro can't sell connecting tickets?!?
ReplyDeleteThey aren't part of IATA (because Montenegro airlines is suing them) and i think thats the reason
DeleteThe system they are using does not have the ability to sell connecting flights.
Delete@9.27 You don't have be part of IATA to sell a connecting flight within your own network.
But isn't it the same system Montenegro Airlines was using?
DeleteThey were able to sell connecting flights via TGD.
No, they are not using the same system.
DeleteWhat's the point of Montenegro selling connecting flights anyway? The 50th time I read this comment
DeleteThere is much more point than you think it is.
DeleteSuch as
DeleteThis is a disaster tbh.
ReplyDeleteActually it's expected outcome...
DeleteCan Air Montenegro even operate from Ljubljana to a country other than its own?
ReplyDeleteThey would have to bis for the rights or open a subsidiary but where's will there's a way
DeleteNot at the moment. Very strange application indeed as they can not apply for Podgorica as well, the route is in operations.
DeleteI believe it is possible for them to fly to a third EU country if they get permission from Slovenia and the other country.
DeleteTheir bid will probably be disqualified.
DeleteTrue anon 09:34. And they don't have that at the moment.
DeleteI think its allowed in europe. with the airline agreements in place, means companies are allowed to operate in european countries as a 3rd party
DeleteDidn't expect much from this anyway.
ReplyDeleteI was expecting that an LCC would take part.
Deletethis just shows how bad the position of LJU is. literally nothing can save it. LJU will simply have to live with the fact that what it has right now is pretty much it and in the future years, only here and there a new route would be published.
ReplyDeleteTrue unfortunately.
DeleteThere is solution and actually a very good one.
Delete^ national airline?
DeleteOf course..
Deletenational airline will not solve anything. do you think people will fly it with probably same as adria highest prices on the market? no. people will use other airports as they do now. it will just be a money guzzling machine that would result in business pax only.
DeleteOh I thought that Adria had only transfer passenger, now we "know" that they had only business pax :) please decide already and do something that LJU will get to 2 M pax again. Without national carrier it won't happend, EVER!
Delete"People will use other airports as they do now"... you don't know how much would I rather fly from LJU but there are simply no flights to important cities like Berlin, Copenhagen, or Rome...this is why I and many others use other airports. And if a national carrier would provide flights to those cities, I wouldn't even think about using other airports even if others would offer a bit cheaper options.
Delete"bit cheaper" they're enormously cheaper and the average slovenian who travels once a year or two by plane, would gladly go out of vienna or venice if it would be only 10€ cheaper combined with transport, parking than directly from LJU. That's how Slovenians are. You're a minority anon 15:27.
DeleteI agree with 20:58. I am not like that but the truth is that 95% of our people are.
Deleteand once again we are here at point when people are talking about this 10€ difference in price and us Slovenians… I am not rich so when I am deciding where to fly from I always look at the price. And if a flight from Lju will be 50€ or so more expensive than the one from Zag or Vie I will still go to Lju. But differences in prices are much higher then 50€ thats why we decide to rather fly from Zagreb. And its tiring to read comments like yours over and over again
DeleteSame here, and also all of my friends.
DeleteW flights would work from Luxembourg.
ReplyDelete+1
DeleteAny chance that Luxair takes up the Brussels-Charleroi route?
ReplyDeleteAs an EU airline they could pretty much operate any of the routes listed.
DeleteThere are tons of Q400 sitting around, maybe Luxair get some additional or their own and base two or three at LJU. A Slovenian Flag instead of Luxembourg on the tail and they are ready to test the market.
ReplyDeleteI doubt Luxair wants to open a base in LJU. W flights may be possible.
DeleteW flights would be more than enough.
DeleteIf they do w flights that's max another route, maybe two. So Brussels and Prague?
DeleteWhat they will do in reality is simply LUX-LJU, some 2 weekly... so stop dreaming. :-)
DeleteThey need to operate it at least 3x weekly
DeleteWhat is a W flight?
DeleteStarting from the base airport, going to one destination. From there, not going back to the base airport, but to another destination, as separate flight. From there, getting back to the first destination, and finally to the base airport. For example LUX-LJU-PRG-LJU-LUX
DeleteOh okay thanks.
DeleteWelcome 😃
DeleteAir Montenegro has rights only for flights EU-MNE? Am i correct?
ReplyDeleteNo agreement for SI-anyEU has been published so far.
DeleteYou are correct
DeleteIm puzzled about Wizz leting Charleroi out ... it was clear that Ryanair wouldnt participate.. this rule that you must fly the route after the subsidies end for the same amount of time is bit too much for them (and maybe for others too)
ReplyDeleteThis rule is valid only if you don't submit a business plan. So it's avoidable. My speculation is that they wait for July tender to bid for the winter season..
Deletegosh such a complicated tender
DeleteAnd I suppose there are requirements regarding timings as well. And I suppose this is the main reason why Wizz did not participate. I think that all the requirements are actually very good in that tender, otherwise we get scenario as it's now where there is almost no flights in the morning/evening.
DeleteBasic criteria is "route in the ECAC area", everything else just brings you extra points. So basically NO requirements.
DeleteLuxair must be in bad shape to grasp opportunity like this. For Air Montenegro we know…
ReplyDeleteI think most of the carriers are waiting for the July tender so they can start flying from November 1st on. It makes sense, but it's such a shame seeing Slovenian aviation in this state. Adria V2 SHOULD happen - but it needs to be communicated that the carrier WILL lose money, however the net profits from tourism and business should (and will) cover the losess
ReplyDelete100%
Delete200%
DeleteJuly tender? where can i read more about that?
DeleteThere will be one in July (i guess for winter schedule on) and one in November (for summer 2024 onwards)
DeleteIn the original tender it says they will organize a tender in July if any money is left over from the first one.
Delete@XYZ only if there is money left over. If there isn't they won't organize it.
DeleteDo you really think it's not gona be left over with 2 airlines applying?
DeleteIt very much depends on what their bids proposed. Maybe Luxair applied to operate ten routes from LJU. We will see.
DeleteIt didnt. More than enough money will be left.
DeleteRegardless of the facylt, that I firmly beleive selling Adria was big mistake….but…where will they find all the staff necessary to operate an airline? State has efectivly killed large part of aviation in Slovenia
Delete* fact
DeleteThe very precise and numerous tender conditions, shows that the tender was made by people who know little about aviation.
ReplyDeleteWrong, finally there was someone who actually know something regarding aviation. Otherwise would give money once again to airlines flying in the mid of day (LX, SN, LH (MUC), etc etc..). Departure/arrival timings are crucial in aviation.
DeleteSo creating a tender that almost no one applied to, while those that did is questionable wheather they met tender requirements is a success?
DeleteUnder previous government we gave incentives to airlines which already flew to LJU and they intend to do so in future, If I understand you right you call that success?
DeleteIn my opinion if no one applied because they just want to fly with timings which is suitable for them (mid day) then I say we don't need that. There will be airline which will take all those incentives in future and it's called Air Slovenia.
Montenegro keeps winning!
ReplyDeleteWhy does Amelia avoid this?
ReplyDeleteAlso, Luxair W flights would really be nice :)
Amelia already gave its explanation why they are not introducing scheduled flights from LJU. Last paragraph in this article - https://www.exyuaviation.com/2023/02/amelia-international-eyes-slovenia-us.html
DeleteAfter 20 years of SL adhesion to the EU still no direct flight beteeen LUX and LJ. No SL speaking on Lufthansa etc. flights to LJ.
ReplyDeleteCan not believe OU has shown no interest. If Serbia was in the EU, JU would already have at least 3 planes based there.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you can't believe OU is doing nothing, and nothing again, and nothing ever. You should have realized it so far
Delete''At least 3 planes based there'' 😂😂
DeleteStupid me, I needed you to enlighten me. Adria Airways did nothing, all of SL governments did nothing, Lufthansa et consortes do nothing. As far as Sebia is concerned, no comment. As you would put it: sanja svinja kukuruz.
ReplyDeleteI thought Aegean would apply for sure for these ATH flights and maybe Finnair with HEL...
ReplyDeleteAt least read damn tender before you comment.
Delete