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The European Commission has decided not to raise any objections to the public financing of infrastructure development at the Polish regional airport "Port Lotniczy Lodz Sp. z o.o.". The measure is aimed at improving the airport infrastructure and therefore at enhancing the social and economic development of the entire region of Lodzkie.
The main objective of the project is to adapt the airport’s standards to those of the European Union, to improve safety, to guarantee an appropriate infrastructure reflecting growing demand for air traffic services and to offer the possibility of launching new connections. The costs of the project related to the notified activities amounts to PLN 40 170 000 (approximately € 11 360 000), but the aid can not exceed 50% of this figure.
The Commission found that the proposed measures are in line with the Community rules[1] as the financing is set to achieve a clear objective of general interest without leading to undue distortion of the market. The airport in Lodz is a small regional airport (216 861 passengers in 2006) and is situated in a region eligible for assistance under European rules[2].
[1] Community guidelines on financing of airports and start-up aid to airlines departing from regional airports, OJ C312/1 of 9.12.2005.
[2] Article 87(3) (a) of EC Treaty.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
