Spain: CNMC approves launch of first private AVE route

Spain’s National Commission of Markets and Competition has given the ‘green light’ to the operation that will see the first privately-operated high-speed service in Spain, competing directly against state-owned Renfe.

The service, operated by the firm Ilsa (controlled by Air Nostrum) will run a connection between Madrid and Montpellier, with domestic stops allowing the service to cover the major Madrid-Barcelona corridor. The CNMC gave its approval after verifying that the offer made by the company meets the requirements for international traffic, the only category in the rail passenger sector that is currently fully liberalized. At least 30% of passengers in the Air Nostrum AVE service must travel between the two countries, with at least 20% of the trip taking place outside of Spain.

In its resolution the CNMC concludes that the launch of this international service will have “positive effects” for users, since it will “triple the current frequencies between Madrid and the French city and will increase them by 50% from Barcelona”, while reducing the total travel time and improving the current range of offers.

Full Content: Europa Press