Budget airlines - a case to answer (1)

There has been much discussion in recent times about the advisability of introducing low-cost airlines into the MIA flight schedule.

Ryanair and Easy Jet are the two predominant players in this field and the former is currently engaged in discussions with Government on their proposal to supply their airline services to and from Malta.

Michael Cawley, deputy chief executive of Ryanair, has written a number of articles setting out their case and informing readers and potential passengers of the advantages that these budget airlines have to offer. Indeed, the prospect of really cheap flights is highly attractive to all would-be travellers.

The benefits which this sort of competition would derive are very positive indeed. Other airlines would join in and the discerning traveller would have that vital asset so alluring to those wishing to visit other countries - choice!

Mr Cawley cites the situation at Dublin Airport as an example of what could so easily happen at MIA. Although Dublin was naturally the airport from which Ryanair has flown for the longest time, the airline is still at 25 per cent of the airport's movements.

Charters and traditional airlines all have their place alongside the budget carriers and the same situation would become commonplace in Malta so that, hopefully, the national airline will become more competitive and provide an alternative schedule and flying times to complement the low-cost airlines.

According to Ryanair, the recent downturn in the number of tourists attracted to these islands could easily be circumvented. Mr Cawley is urging Government to make a decision with some degree of urgency to stimulate passenger movements next autumn as there is a lead time to commencing services to any new airport or country, as well as a requirement to recruit staff.

It is generally accepted by the airline travelling public that low-cost airlines are the way forward. Once travellers are aware that, say, flying the national airline is much more expensive than a comparable low priced fare (such as British Jet) there is no contest. The discerning passenger chooses the cheaper option and this is where competition comes into its own. The regular passengers who use air travel extensively are keenly awaiting Government's decision on Ryanair's application and it is hoped that the proposal is accepted.

However, even if Ryanair were to fly regularly to and from Malta, there is still one great stumbling block - the dreaded and extortionate airport taxes.

Recent letters to the Press have highlighted the financial burden that is thrust upon anybody travelling from MIA. As a member of the public recently pointed out, even if one were to be fortunate enough to accumulate enough air miles on one's Flypass card to fly "free", this so-called "free ticket" is not so free at all. On collecting the ticket from Air Malta's sales office, the not so lucky passenger has to fork out the princely sum of Lm55 in taxes, fuel surcharge and service charge!

Surely, this tax is extortionate and totally unjustified. It appears that Ryanair are also very concerned about this excessive burden of airport taxation. Since Malta is in the European Union, the same airport taxes chargeable in, say, England, should be levied in Malta. If Government were to reduce the taxes to a more acceptable level, of say, Lm30 in total, the ensuing lower cost of air travel will encourage more tourists to visit Malta.

So, the way is now clear for Government and the Malta Tourism Authority in particular to take decisive steps to make Malta an economic destination for tourists seeking entertainment, culture, sun, sea and water sports. The very fact that they are considering Ryanair's proposal is indicative that the time is ripe for the introduction of budget airlines as part of the overseas travel industry on these islands.

It is to be hoped that sections of the Press will provide a united front in promoting the advantages to be gained once low-cost fares become the norm for those wishing to travel by air to and from Malta.

Naturally, the major disadvantage that Government is considering involves the fate of Air Malta. The airline is teetering on the brink of a take-over bid and is struggling to keep its head above water.

It is naturally of the utmost importance to maintain a national airline because Air Malta flies to many more destinations than those provided by the budget airlines which are primarily interested in the tourist trade.

The government should consider all the options and allow the introduction of Ryanair and other comparable budget airlines to fly tourists to and from Malta, while doing all in its power to maintain Air Malta as the national airline.

Equally, Air Malta must continue to streamline its services and provide a degree of excellence which will persuade many other travellers to "fly the flag"!