Government hesitant over state support for Roros air services

Airline Industry Information, Nov 17, 2000

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2000 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

The air route between Oslo and Roros, Norway could be saved if the state asked for tenders and bought the service although politicians are unlikely to accept such a solution.

The route is under threat as Braathens has said that it will close down the route as a part of its effort to reorganise its operations. The carrier has said that it has made a NOK15m loss on the route every year.

Terje Moe Gustavsen, the minister of transport and communications, has said that although he understands the importance of air services to the region, he will take some time to review the options available, reported Aftenposten, a Norwegian daily newspaper.

The first thing that should be done is to cut state fees, according to the chairman of the transport committee Oddvard Nielsen, who is not convinced that state support is the solution to the problem.

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