12/09/2013 00:00
TW
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By Humphrey Carter

PALMA
THE Balearic government yesterday tried to jump to the aid of Balearic-based airlines with both Spanair and Futura facing difficulties and uncertain future.

On Monday, the charter airline Futura International Airways suspended flights for a day as it filed for administration but yesterday it was unable to get its planes back in the air as planned and the airline has until September 12 to outline its financial situation, financial reorganisation and safety plan to the transport ministry, which will then decide whether to pass, suspend or revoke its flying license.

Last month, Palma-based Spanair, Spain's second largest carrier, announced a cost cutting and restructuring plan which will involve the loss of over 1'000 jobs across Spain - 500 of which will be here in Majorca. And a further 600 Majorcan jobs with Futura are now under threat as the airline tries to cut costs in order to continue operating. Yesterday, Balearic president Francesc Antich contacted the head of Civil Aviation to offer the local government's services as a “bridge” between central government and the troubled airlines with the aim of trying to save as many local jobs as possible and reduce the negative impact on the local economy.

He has, for example, suggested a reduction in airport taxes.
There is also growing concern about flight connections between the mainland and the Balearics.
This morning, Antich plans to meet all of his ministers involved with the airline sector (Commerce, Tourism, Industry, Transport) to discuss measures which the Balearic government could adopt to help the two stricken carriers and local industry as a whole.

Yesterday, Futura staff in the Canaries mounted a protest demanding information from the airline while on Monday night, 200 members of staff staged a lock-in in Palma for similar reasons.

Talks between the airline and union representatives resumed in Palma yesterday evening at the airline's head office on the Son Castello industrial estate to discuss the latest developments.

Union bosses yesterday accused the airline of failing to provide proper explanations as to what is going on while the head of the Spanish pilots union Sepla revealed that the owners of Futura's 36 planes have demanded their immediate return.