In Italy the creation of a single-managed Sardinian airport network is closer. In fact, in the last few hours the Sardinia Region has made it official that it intends to participate in the operation which will see the three ports of the island (the "Mario Mameli" of Cagliari-Elmas, the Olbia-Costa Smeralda and the "Riviera del Corallo" of Alghero-Fertilia) led under a single direction. The entry of the public shareholder could therefore materialize by the end of 2024.

"Until yesterday, this operation excluded the Region. This is unthinkable because it is not possible that in strategic and synergistic processes like this there would not also be the active presence of the Region. Its virtuous and careful management is a fundamental element for the economy of the the island. The lawyers are studying the forms of acquisition of the shares", declared the president of Sardinia, Alessandra Todde, to the newspaper "La Nuova Sardegna".

This is a change of direction compared to the previous regional council. The confirmation also comes from Maurizio De Pascale, president of the Chamber of Commerce of Cagliari and Oristano: "The important news is that we have formally received the request from the Region to participate in this operation. We welcomed the total sharing of the project".

At this point what happens? The integration of the three Sardinian airports is currently suspended, to allow the Sardinia Region to enter into the operation. Today the F2I Group manages the airports of Alghero (Sogeaal) and Olbia (Geasar) through F2 Ligantia, whose objective is to take control of Sogaer, which manages the Cagliari airport (around 4% in the hands of the Region). Todde said he intends to "rise above 5% to fully exercise the role of control and stimulus" in the three Sardinian airports, so he will have to buy shares from F2i Ligantia and Fondazione Sardegna. At the moment the times and methods of public participation are not known.

On the same topic, see also the article published by AVIONEWS.