The Regional Secretary for Tourism and Transport stated in Horta that the new accessibility model for air transport, which enters into force Sunday, has allowed significant reductions in fare prices for Azorean citizens.

"Now, one can notice that the fare offer for all gateways in the Azores already shows a very significant reduction in accessibility costs. In many cases, the price is just one-third of that in force six months ago," said Vítor Fraga.

Speaking to journalists at the end of a meeting with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Azores, the Regional Secretary stressed that this reduction "demonstrates the capital gains generated by the model, which will indubitably improve the mobility capacity of Azorean citizens."

Vítor Fraga admitted that this new model, which requires a period of adaptation, will naturally face some resistance. Nevertheless, the government official expressed his "belief" that "the opportunities will clearly outweigh any kind of difficulty that may exist."

"The most important is that we truly believe that will be able to take advantage of the new model of accessibility, which is clearly an inclusive model. In fact, it fosters the balanced development of islands and enhances the accessibility and mobility of all Azoreans in a way that was never achieved before," said the government official.

As for the transport of cargo, the new model will also bring added value to the regional business sector. According to Vítor Fraga, "this is a great opportunity for our companies and entrepreneurs, because they will have the possibility to place their products in other markets, namely the domestic market, as well as in large retail chains and distribution networks."

The Regional Secretary pointed out the example of fish transport, given that the model was designed to promote the export of this product. With regard to the transport of fish products, "the fact that we have a daily supply with a considerable capacity of about 15 tonnes and a time slot after 5 PM, allows an increase of 30% in product value, i.e., every kilo of fish we export represents an increase in capital gains of about 30% for the Region.

Vítor Fraga also noted that while transportation is not provided by a specific aircraft, there will be a transition period that will include the flights currently operated by SATA Internacional and TAP as well as additional flights; the latter will be contracted by the Regional Government to meet the needs of demand."