(Finance) – It took place today at theboarding area E of the Leonardo da Vinci airport in Fiumicino the inaugural ceremony to celebrate the launch of the new direct flight of Air Montenegro which, from today, will connect the capital of Montenegro Podgorica to Rome, the heart of Italy. At the ceremony, which saw the participation of the President of Aeroporti di Roma, Vincenzo Nunziatafor a brief introductory greeting, the Chief Aviation Officer of Aeroporti di Roma took part, Ivan Bassatothe CEO of Air Montenegro, Mark Anzur, the CEO of Montenegro Airport, Vladan Draškovicthe Central Director of Administration and Finance of ENAC, Maria Elena Taorminathe Deputy Prime Minister with responsibility for Labour, Education, Health and Social Policies of Montenegro, Srdjan Pavicevicthe Minister of Transport and Maritime Affairs of Montenegro, Filip Radulovicthe Ambassador of Montenegro to Italy, Milena Sofranac Ljubojevic and the Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Transport, Tullio Ferrante.
Air Montenegro will operate on this route twice a week, every Monday and Friday. Montenegro and Italy have shared a history rich in cultural, historical and economic ties for centuries. The introduction of the direct air connection between Podgorica and Rome therefore represents a significant step forward to intensify ties, promote tourism and improve trade relations between the two countries, allowing travelers to learn about and experience the heritage and traditions of both countries.
From the ancient wonders of Rome to the picturesque landscapes of Montenegro, the new connection not only brings the two capitals closer, but It also offers a convenient travel option to individual travelers, families and businesses. By reducing time and eliminating stopovers, the flight offers passengers a more convenient and time-efficient travel experience. Thanks to this direct connection to the main Italian airport, Montenegro, known for its breathtaking Adriatic coast and historical sites, will see its tourism sector grow.
Italian travelers will be able to easily discover the charm of Montenegro and Montenegrin tourists will have direct access to Rome, a vibrant and culturally rich city, creating tourist revenue flows in both directions. The new route will also bring an advantageous strengthening of economic ties: the increased connectivity will facilitate commercial transactions, trade agreements and investment opportunities between Montenegro and Italy.
“We are pleased to welcome Air Montenegro to Rome Fiumicino” he declared Ivan Bassato, Chief Aviation Officer of Aeroporti di Roma. “The resumption of the historic flight to Podgorica favors the development of direct traffic between the two capitals and allows Podgorica to be connected to Italy and the rest of the world via the Roman hub. Air Montenegro passengers will enjoy a unique travel experience of quality thanks to the services offered by Fiumicino, the only Italian airport awarded 5 stars by Skytrax and voted the best airport in Europe by the ACI (Airport Council International) for the fifth time in the last six years”.
“Starting from today – declared the CEO of Air Montenegro, Mark Anzur –, Air Montenegro will operate in Rome every Monday and Friday and the route will be active all year round, with the expectation of increasing the frequency in the coming years. During this year, from January to November, 33,920 passengers were transported to this destination, for a total of 186 flights. With the opening of this route, Air Montenegro will significantly contribute to the increase in the number of passengers and direct flights to Rome. According to our plan for the W23 winter season, Air Montenegro estimates carrying around 4,000 passengers on the Podgorica-Rome route, which is expected to increase to around 10,000 during the summer tourist season. The intent is to operate using the E195 type aircraft from our fleet.”
“Recognizing the need to strengthen mutual relations between the two countries – commented the Deputy Prime Minister with responsibility for Labour, Education, Health and Social Policies of Montenegro, Srdjan Pavicevic –, drawing inspiration from the historically and contemporary traditionally friendly ties between Montenegro and the Italian Republic, as well as from the very good existing relations, today we witness the realization of a strategic decision of this Government: the establishment of a flight on the Podgorica route – Rome. Considering Montenegro’s aspiration to become a full member of the European Union and the support offered by the Italian Republic in the process, this is only the first step towards strengthening our partnership, with the hope of greater development and strengthening of all forms of cooperation and mutual relations between the two countries”.
“I express great satisfaction – declared the Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Transport, Tullio Ferrante –, for the launch of the new Rome-Podgorica connection, highlighting the Italian Government’s commitment to consolidating relations with the Balkan countries, also with a view to their accession to the EU. A growth in bilateral relations is also and above all hoped for in the infrastructural field through the involvement of the know-how of Italian entrepreneurship in the sector, for the benefit of the entire Adriatic and Balkan area. This Government is strongly committed to consolidating, through the modernization of railways and the development of ports and intermodality, Italy’s role as the main European hub in the Mediterranean on the route between Asia and Northern Europe”.