New airport negotiates with airlines

A proposed new airport has attracted interest from Europe's biggest low-cost carriers, even before the runway has been built.

Vera Group, which wants to build an airport near the southern Spanish city of Antequera, told the Sur newspaper that the firm has already begun negotiations with between 30 and 40 carriers.

These include some of the biggest names already flying from Spain, such as Ryanair and Air Berlin.

Project director Jose Marea de la Maza said he could not be sure how many low-cost operators were interested in the airport. Securing low-cost airline support will be vital to the airport's future, no frills carriers currently command 25 per cent of EU air traffic.

The plans have attracted the support of local politicians and the tourist industry.

President of the Antequera Association of Commerce and Industry Esther Granados said that the airport would have a hugely beneficial effect on tourism in the region.

"Clients of these low-cost airlines do not generally care whether they are dropped off in Seville, Granada or Malaga," she said.

Mayor Ricardo Millan reflected Ms Granados' comments, and added that the town hall would provide land and planning support.

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