Communication from the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany

of 11 June 2001

(2001/C 235/02)

1. The Government of the Federal Republic of Germany has decided to alter, with effect from 29 October 2001, the public service obligation in respect of scheduled air services between Erfurt and Munich as published in the Official Journal of the European Communities C 114, 20.4.2000, p. 5, 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. The public service obligation is as follows:

2.1. Minimum frequency

At least three return flights daily from Monday to Friday with direct onward connections from Munich.

This requirement applies throughout the year. A limited air service is possible between Christmas and the New Year.

2.2. Capacity

Aircraft having at least 30 passenger seats must be used for the flights involved.

2.3. Flight times

The flights are to be operated between 06.00 and 21.00. Flight times must be such as to tie in with the respective connection waves in Munich. According to the current flight schedule, these are as follows:

1. From 10.00 to 11.00.

2. From 15.00 to 15.35.

3. From 19.00 to 20.00.

2.4. Aircraft types

Aircraft with pressurised cabins must be used. Flights must be operated in accordance with instrument flight rules (IFR).

2.5. Fares

The maximum basic fare for a single flight between Erfurt and Munich must not exceed DEM 400,00 (EUR 204,52) including VAT and charges. There must be interline agreements in accordance with IATA rules offering through-fares.

2.6. Continuity for air services

The number of flights cancelled for reasons that can be directly attributed to the air carrier may not exceed 2 % of the estimated annual number of flights.

3. Community air carriers are informed that the operation of the scheduled air services will be put out to tender and that contracts are to be awarded with effect from 29 October 2001, if by 28 September 2001 no air carrier has tendered to commence air services in accordance with the public service obligation imposed and without requesting compensation. An appropriate invitation to tender pursuant to Article 4(1)(d) of Regulation (EEC) No 2408/92 will shortly be published in the Official Journal of the European Communities.

Further information can be obtained from: Thüringer Ministerium für Wirtschaft, Arbeit und Infrastruktur Referat Luftverkehr (Air Transport Section) Postfach 242 D - 99005 Erfurt Tel. (49-361) 379 76 40 Fax (49-361) 379 76 09.