Airlines using Portugal’s airports have as one objected to the increases in charges levied by French company Vinci, through its Portuguese subsidiary ANA.
Several companies have seen the impact of prices rises on their balance sheets and now the Representative Airline Association (RENA) has complained that "ANA has acted with the sole purpose of maximizing its profits, burdening companies in an intolerable manner" says Paul Geisler, president of RENA.
The official, who is a known critic of the modus operandi of ANA, said that "since the signing of the ANA concession agreement, in less than a year the rates at Lisbon airport have been the subject of three rises, which translates into an increase of over 10%," adding that this does not help any airline’s efforts to attract more passengers, especailly in these times of crisis.
RENA also noted that "the passenger have started to notice the scale of charges” and that rates will increase another 2.3% as early as April this year.
TAP says the ANA charging policy "is a threat to the attractiveness of Lisbon," and other of Portugal’s destinations where airline operating costs are key to running a successful service with price conscious passengers.
By selling off the management rights to Portugal’s airports the government has managed to stay out of the squabble between the French company accused of gouging, and the airlines who always want more for less.
The billion plus euros received from Vinci Group by the Passos Coelho administration is long gone.
