End-June target for airport deal

The deal in which Vienna Airport will acquire 40 per cent shareholding in Malta International Airport was expected to be concluded by the end of this month, a senior management board member of the Austrian company said.

"Although no timeframes as such have been set, we are hoping the matter can be concluded by the end of June," Kurt M. Waniek said at his office in the Austrian capital.

Dr Waniek said the two sides were currently putting the finishing touches to the deal.

Vienna Airport is very confident it can put its expertise in the hubbing concept to very good use in Malta.

"Our forte has been to develop an effective and efficient hubbing strategy for Vienna airport. We pride ourselves in that regard and we are hoping we can assist Malta airport in that direction too," Dr Waniek said.

The idea runs something on these lines: just as Vienna positioned itself as a hubbing centre for eastern European destinations, Malta too can serve as a bridge, travel-wise, for both North Africa and eastern Europe.

"We shall be more than pleased and, indeed, willing to transfer our expertise to MIA's operations," Dr Waniek said, careful not to reveal more than is necessary at this stage. He did promise, however, that all details, including on Vienna Airport's physical presence in Malta, would be revealed in a press conference to be held in Malta shortly.

He readily acknowledged that closely linked to the success of the hubbing concept would be the attraction of more airlines to Malta. Dr Waniek said Vienna International would be willing to give its share adding, however, that such efforts would also have to come from the Maltese side.

Vienna Airport has just reported a drop in passenger traffic last year. That notwithstanding, it posted an 11 per cent increase in hubbing traffic to eastern European destinations and a 12.2 per cent increase in the number of transfer passengers.