We made changes to adjust [costs], but even so it is very difficult to maintain these funds. Fuel prices have increased immensely, as have aircraft parts,” explained Pedro Leal, chairman of the company’s board of directors, on the day the plane returned to Bragança’s municipal aerodrome to prepare for its first flight from the region since the end of September.

“Let’s start with some passengers. Today there are already five, which is not enough. But, when summer arrives, it will be full”, predicts Pedro Leal about the aircraft with 19 seats.

According to the timetables provided by the airline service concessionaire, between February 19 and March 29 there are fewer connections, as on Wednesdays and Thursdays the plane only connects Bragança to Cascais. After March 31st and until October 24th, planes will land in all cities and the frequency will also double. On Sundays there are still no flights.

The new contract signed for the next four years between the Government and Sevenair is worth 13.5 million euros, 3 million more than in the previous concession, the company had previously informed Lusa.

Even with this increase, Pedro Leal considers that this amount may be insufficient.

“I can say that in the other four years, audited by the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF), we lost 1.480 million euros. Fuel in the last contract was paid at 70 cents, we ended up with practically 1.70 euros. Now it is a little lower, here in Bragança at 1.30 euros”, said Pedro Leal, adding that the current price remains very high.

Then, Pedro Leal adds the rest that is necessary to maintain this air service, in which “everything is increasing”.

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