Communication from the Commission pursuant to Article 4(1)(a) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92

Imposition by Ireland of public service obligation in respect of scheduled air services between Galway/Minna and the Aran Islands

(2001/C 281/05)

(Text with EEA relevance)

1. Pursuant to Article 4(1)(a) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 of 23 July 1992 on access for Community air carriers to intra-Community air routes, the Irish Government has decided to impose a public service obligation in respect of scheduled air services with effect from 1 February 2002 on the Galway/Minna to the Aran Islands route.

2. The public service obligation is as follows:

2.1. Minimum frequency and seating capacity

The services must be operated at the rate of at least six return trips per day, seven days per week as outlined at 2(3) below.

This requirement applies throughout the year.

2.2. Type of aircraft used:

(a) The services must be operated by aircraft with a minimum capacity of nine passenger seats.

(b) Carriers' attention is drawn to technical and operative conditions applying at the airports. For further information please contact Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, Na Forbacha, Gaillimh, Seán Ó Leidhinn, tel. (353-91) 59 25 55, fax (353-91) 59 25 95, e-mail: soleidhinn@ealga.ie

2.3. Timetables

The flight schedules must include three return flights to the islands in the morning and three return flights to the islands in the afternoon as outlined below to enable passengers to make the round trip within the day.

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2.4. Fares:

(a) A range of fares may be applied subject to:

1. A maximum return standard fare of IEP 35 (EUR 44,44) is proposed to each of the islands.

2. A maximum return fare of IEP 27 (EUR 34,28) for local residents (islanders) is proposed to each of the islands.

3. A maximum return fare of IEP 29 (EUR 36,82) for students under 26 is proposed to each of the islands.

4. A maximum return fare of IEP 20 (EUR 25,39) for children under 18 is proposed to each of the islands.

5. A maximum return fare of IEP 18 (EUR 22,86) for local students and children (islanders) is proposed to each of the islands.

(b) Where interline agreements are concluded concerning the PSO route, such agreements should follow, with regard to fares on the route, the pro-rata system in accordance with international rules.

(c) The maximum fare may be increased once each year with the prior consent of the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and Islands if an abnormal and unforeseeable increase in the cost factors affecting the operation of the routes takes place for which the carrier is not responsible. The new maximum fare will be notified to the carrier operating the service and will not enter into force prior to its notification to the European Commission and publication of the Official Journal of the European Communities.

2.5. Marketing of flights

Flights must be marketed using a reservation system.

2.6. Continuity of services:

(a) Except in cases of force majeure, the number of flights cancelled for reasons directly attributable to the carrier must not exceed 2 % of the number of flights on an annual basis.

(b) The carrier must give at least six months' notice before discontinuing the services.