The Road Administration authority has declared the procurement procedure in the Tallinn-Kuressaare flight route, linking the capital of Estonia’s largest islands to the mainland, invalid, leaving it unclear who will be operating the route in future. The issue surrounds the awarding or otherwise of the contract to Regional Air, a subsidiary of Estonian carrier Nordica. The service up to early June had been carried out by Lithuanian carrier Transaviabaltika.
The procurement process was first announced in December 2018, at an estimated EUR 26 million. One concern was the present service, operated by Transaviabaltika, offered too small a capacity. It operated 19-seater Let L-410 Turbolet planes.
Transaviabaltika was initially re-awarded the contract, but the Road Administration then instead awarded the contract to Regional Jet, a subsidiary of Estonian carrier Nordica.
Transaviabaltika continued operating the route under its original contract till June 1, and offered to up its frequency of flights as a way to alleviate the limited places available.
“The Road Administration is making every effort to bring a larger plane to Tallinn-Kuressaare route as soon as possible, one which is better suited to the needs and expectations of local people,” Meelis Telliskivi, traffic director at the Road Administration, said.
“Therefore, we are announcing a new procurement as soon as possible,” he continued.
The decision was also under the instruction of the finance ministry.
From June 1, Transaviabalitka continued to keep the route open under a renewed contract in line with Estonian law, but with a two-month break clause should the Road Administration find a new carrier. (ERR/Business World Magazine)
