52003XC1028(02)

Imposition by France of public service obligations in respect of scheduled air services within France

(2003/C 258/03)

(Text with EEA relevance)

1. France has decided to impose a public service obligation on scheduled air services between Angoulême and Lyon-Saint-Exupéry pursuant to Article 4(1)(a) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 of 23 July 1992 on access for Community air carriers to intra-Community air routes.

2. From 1 April 2004, the public service obligations in respect of scheduled air services between Angoulême and Lyon-Saint-Exupéry are as follows:

Minimum frequency

The minimum level of service provided must be:

- two return trips per day, morning and evening, from Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays, 220 days a year,

- one return trip per day on Saturdays and Sundays for 44 weeks a year.

The services must be operated non-stop between Angoulême and Lyon-Saint-Exupéry.

Type of aircraft used and capacity provided

The service must be operated with a pressurised turboprop or jet aircraft having a seating capacity of at least 30.

Timetables

The timetables must allow passengers travelling on business to make a round trip in a day spanning at least eight hours to Angoulême and Lyon.

Commercial policy

Seats on these flights must be marketed by at least one computerised booking system.

Continuity of service

Except in cases of force majeure, the number of flights cancelled for reasons directly attributable to the carrier must not exceed 3 % of the number of flights scheduled in any IATA scheduling season. In addition, the carrier must give six months' notice before discontinuing the services.

Community carriers are hereby informed that the operation of air services without regard to the above-mentioned public service obligation may result in administrative and/or criminal penalties.