2023-10-03 10:45:01
The disappearance of Air Guyane and the current tensions at Air Antilles show, if necessary, the extreme difficulty for regional airlines to ensure their sustainability. How can we explain the collapse of these companies, after a few years of operation?
According to various players in the sector, the successive failures in the regional air skies are multiple, structural and cyclical.
First of all, there is the economic factor. It is linked to the size of the market, due to the number of passengers carried. Consequence: not enough revenue generated.
There is also strong competition from certain international companies well established in neighboring countries such as Saint Lucia or Saint Martin in the Dutch part, often with attractive prices.
Local regional companies are also subject to the same administrative obligations and fees as national companies. Colossal costs, particularly in terms of fuel, airport taxes and personnel costs that they find difficult to bear.
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Another significant obstacle is transport policy in the region. These companies are dependent on tourism. Regional air transport is often seen as leisure transport. Business transport is underdeveloped and very fluctuating.
According to experts, it is necessary to define a real regional air transport policy. Establish a roadmap and set a course like transatlantic transport.
To do this, it is important to take into consideration the urgent need to finance air transport through subsidies and public service delegation. But also review administrative policies, particularly in terms of taxes.
These expert professionals, active or not, are calling for a real round table on this most complex issue.
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