Moldova joined EU’s common airspace market; five new low-cost destinations as of July 2
Republic of Moldova and the European Union have signed an agreement on the establishment of the Common Aviation Space. The document was signed in Brussels today by Moldovan Premier Vlad Filat and the EU Commissioner in charge of transport Siim Kallas.
Prime Minister Filat said that this agreement marks the end of an important negotiation process for the Republic of Moldova carrying advantages for the citizens of Moldova.
„We are happy about these agreements and we thank our European partners who were close to us in promoting our ambitious goals,” Vlad Filat said.
According to him, this agreement will help attract low cost carriers on the Moldovan market.
„This agreement means an important feature of Moldova’s integration in the aviation market of EU, as well as undertaking high security and safety standards,” Moldovan Premier said.
The official said that both Moldovans and the carriers will benefit as a result of this agreement, the open airspace between Moldova and the European Union being important for the business sector, as well.
The subscription of this agreement was waited for a long time and was about being signed early this spring. Due to some difficulties at the European level, the contract has been postponed.
The main advantages of the agreement are the liberalization of the aviation market, so any EU airline will be able to operate flights to and from Moldova without any restrictions. The biggest advantages have the passengers who will be able to fly low cost from their hometown abroad.
Recently two carriers established the first low cost flights from Moldova. Moldavian Airlines together with its share partner Carpatair opened three direct flights to Italy (Rome, Venice and Milan). The fares start from 83 Euro per segment, these being the cheapest flights from Moldova operated to such destinations.
Another carrier, Air Moldova recently signed a contract with Romania’s low cost airline Blue Air. Most of the flights will be operated by Blue Air from Bucharest or Bacau (a northern city in Romania). The passengers willing to travel from Chisinau to Madrid, for example, will travel with Air Moldova from Chisinau to Bucharest where a layover will be made. The next flight will be operated by Blue Air from Bucharest to Madrid or any other destinations. According to the Minister of Transportation Anatol Salaru, a fare for Chisinau-Madrid would cost 100 Euro with all taxes included. A flight on the same route with a regular airline costs currently 197 Euro one-way.
Anatol Salaru said in a talk show that Moldovans will be able to fly via Bucharest as of July 2, 2012. The agreement was delayed and the reason is unknown. The first passengers were supposed to fly after June 15, 2012. The Minister said that Romania’s carrier Blue Air asked for some time to organize their schedule.
„The Moldovans will be able to fly to five European destinations via Bucharest. These are Madrid, Brussels, Malaga, Catania and Valencia,” Mr. Salaru told Pro TV channel.
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