site.btaTransport Minister Vows to Ensure Conditions for Surge of Air Transport

Sofia, December 21 (BTA) - Transport Minister Nikolay Sabev vowed to provide conditions for a surge of air transport. "We are beginning to work towards ensuring conditions for a growth of the aviation industry as part of the transport system of this country," the Minister said during a meeting with MPs, representatives of the aviation sector and the managers of the Civil Aviation Administration and the Air Traffic Control Authority, and was quoted by his Ministry's press office.

He said that the first steps are being made together with the aviation business and that would be the beginning of a long-term partnership. Meetings will be held with all organizations in the aviation industry to map out priorities and identify the pressing questions. "We will use a new economic approach in which all companies are treated equally. Our goal is to develop all transport sectors so as to achieve better connectivity," Sabev said.

During the meeting the Minister was asked about a 60 million leva aid package for air carriers. He said that the money has been transferred to the Transport Ministry budget and after an approval comes from the EC, air carriers can start applying and claim their money.

The Minister also said that the administration is working to become more efficient and more transparent.

MT/LN