Volotea, ITA continue to contest Sardinian PSO

Italy's ITA continues to fight for Sardinian PSOs

Spain's Volotea wins Sardinian PSO, blocks Asturias tender

After it was disqualified during the first tender, Volotea (V7, Asturias) has now been awarded the seven-month territorial continuity Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract for services connecting Sardinia with mainland Italy.

The island's semi-autonomous government announced on October 13 that the Spanish low-cost carrier would take over the operation of all six routes according to the schedule on October 15. Tickets were put on sale on October 14.

Volotea said it would open a base at Alghero after it begins the PSO flights. It already has bases at Cagliari and Olbia, the other two airports in Sardinia.

"We are very satisfied with the result of this tender. Our interest in this region has been demonstrated throughout all these years of presence in Sardinia. We have transported more than 1.5 million passengers from Cagliari and more than two million from Olbia since 2012. These new six routes are a great opportunity to continue our objective of growth in this region," Chief Executive Carlos Muñoz said.

The decision represents a blow to ITA...

Sardinian PSO in question as gov't excludes ITA

ITA, Volotea contest Sardinian PSO tender