The Regional Government of Madeira, through the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Environment and Culture, Eduardo Jesus, is concerned about the possibility that the main air carriers that provide connections between the mainland and the autonomous regions may abandon the routes covered by the Social Mobility Subsidy (SSM)
Eduardo Jesus warns of a possible setback in accessibility in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, at a time when it is experiencing its best moment ever, with the growth of economic activity, employment, business activity, debt reduction, and an increase in salaries.
At issue is the threat by airlines to abandon island routes in the face of legislative changes to the Social Mobility Allowance under discussion in the Assembly of the Republic. According to the air carriers, the changes to the model, especially the elimination of the maximum ceiling eligible for reimbursement, may significantly alter the functioning of the market, jeopardising the stability of air connectivity in Madeira and the Azores.
Eduardo Jesus considers that the situation is the result of enormous irresponsibility and is a reflection of unpreparedness, lack of vision, and lack of knowledge of the regional reality on the part of those who presented the legislative changes.
The minister warns of the “permanent struggle” of the last 10 years to achieve a balance that can now be destroyed with the new Social Mobility Allowance, since the new model would have a “significant” impact on the tourism sector, which could compromise the economic trajectory that Madeira is currently going through.
If the new Mobility Allowance System gets approved, many airlines might raise their prices. While many Madeirans won’t feel the direct impact thanks to the SSM, Eduardo Jesus believes Madeira could lose its edge as a destination in the global market.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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