WEDGE
The good news arrived in recent days – unexpectedly – from the Minister of Infrastructure, Matteo Salvini, at the Royal Palace of Venaria, during the presentation of «The Italy of Yes 2023-2032 – Projects and major works in Italy». Among the financing announced, that for Cuneo airport: 8 million euros for structural interventions. Also in the room was the entrepreneur Paolo Merlo, president of Geac, the airport management company.
President, the minister mentioned Cuneo airport among the works that will be financed. In what context?
«At the presentation of the “L’Italia dei Sì 2023-2032” infrastructure projects, the deputy prime minister announced a significant financial commitment to support the airport. He underlined the importance of these investments in the context of the national strategy for infrastructure development, highlighting the role of the Cuneo airport in the transport system of the Piedmont Region. We welcome with pride and satisfaction the commitment on the part of the minister, which confirms how the airport, which, despite being privately managed, guarantees a public service, has finally been recognized as a strategic infrastructure and as an asset for the community”.
What will the funds be used for? What are the positive effects?
«The funds will partially cover the four-year Investment Plan within the airport planning contract. The main works financed include the renovation of a portion of the aircraft apron and the runway, the construction of hangars, the installation of an important photovoltaic system for the production of renewable energy and the adaptation of the perimeter fences. Interventions intended to improve the operational efficiency, safety and attractiveness of the airport, as well as promoting greater environmental sustainability within the airport’s activities”.
Is there a timetable?
«As regards the construction of the photovoltaic system, the first lot intended for the self-production of energy for airport consumption has already started, while the 10 MW lot on the ground, foreseen as part of the new airport development plan, is in the planning and authorization phase. All other interventions will follow the normal procedural implementation processes.”
How are the current accounts of the airport?
«The financial situation still sees an important commitment from the private partner, especially in this phase of heavy investments to be able to relaunch the infrastructure. The Government’s commitment to integrating the predominant burden of the private partner is therefore welcome.”
Perspectives: what plans do you have?
«We are working to consolidate the work team, implemented with the arrival of the new CEO Georges Mikhael, who is starting to bring the first results, thanks to the commitment of the professionals involved. In the meantime, as part of the differentiation of airport activities, the aircraft maintenance contract has already started, the first of the maintenance activities by a carrier: an important fact, since about ten highly specialized technicians from different regions, with positive repercussions in terms of the related activities that the airport creates in the local economy. I would also like to underline that other important professional structures are housed within the airport, such as the fire station, the logistical bases of the air ambulance and the Maxi Emergency, which make up the important service to the community provided by our infrastructure. The combination of these entities serving the territory, combined with the public service activity for the transport of passengers, make the airport a strategic infrastructure within the regional airport system and an asset for the community: I appreciate that its importance has finally been implemented, as confirmed by the allocation of funds by the ministry”.
Are you working on new flights?
«We are exploring growth opportunities on various fronts, including the transport of goods by air in particular segments: an activity that can be achieved with the current infrastructure through agreements with local entities. We are constantly working to increase connectivity from our airport: the Cuneo-Rome route, which had been restored by SkyAlps, remains a priority for the area and we are studying alternatives to propose to the market. In parallel, we are working to activate routes to markets not yet served by our airport: some projects are taking shape and we hope to be able to announce them in the coming months. Finally, let’s not forget to find new opportunities to develop the winter tourism market and encourage attractiveness and incoming to our province.” —
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