The Macau government has decided to extend the concession contract with Air Macau for three years or until the new law comes into force, the Civil Aviation Authority said in a statement.
Since the proposed Civil Aviation Act, which would introduce a new legal regime for civil aviation in the territory, is “still in the legislative process, it is necessary to maintain the current airline concessions regime so that Air Macau can continue to provide uninterrupted service to Macau residents and visitors.” , the institution said in a statement.
“Government of Macau SAR [Região Administrativa Especial de Macau] “reaffirms that the concession agreement does not prevent foreign airlines from flying to Macau,” the same note added.
In June, the Legislative Assembly broadly approved a civil aviation law to gradually liberalize air transport, with the government accepting the issuance of fewer licenses.
“I don’t think it will be a large number, just think about the demographics and space of Macau, so we don’t have the conditions for it to be a large number,” the transport minister said at the time. and public works, Raimundo do Rosario.
In October 2020, Air Macau’s concession, which had operated on an exclusive basis for almost 28 years, was extended until November this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. At the time, the government promised to open Macau’s air travel market once the concession ended.
The proposed law specifies, among other things, that companies that intend to carry out commercial air transportation of passengers must be public limited liability companies legally incorporated in Macau and have their principal place of business in that territory, and must demonstrate technical capability. and financial strength.
Last year, Air Macau’s losses increased by almost a third, reaching more than one billion patacas (117.9 million euros), while revenue fell 26% compared to 2021 to 887 million patacas (101.9 million euros) due to for the impact of the crisis. the pandemic and restrictions on tourist arrivals from China, Macau’s main market, as well as rising oil prices.
Macau International Airport can only fly to the Asian continent, with most destinations in China.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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