Deltaria

[Rogue]

Tsargrad - Minister of Economic Development Andrija Magzan has signed a ministerial initiative to significantly reform the partially state-owned "Deltarian Airways". Air travel was largely neglected for the last few decades, with Deltarian Airways left for dead and reduced to a shadow of its former self. The company is now considered to be one of the smallest airlines on the continent, only offering regional flights to major country's like Istalia and Zardugal. But the Lazarescu government sees Deltarian Airways and air travel in general as a important tool to further Deltaria's importance in the region. 

By reinforcing and expanding Deltarian Airways the country could boost tourism, business and seek a position as a logistical hub for the region. Strategically located in the middle of the Majatran continent, a reinvigorated state airline capable of serving a large variety of international and regional flights, in addition to cargo flights, could significantly boost Deltaria's position as a center for trade. As mentioned the already flourishing tourism could further benefit from DA's expansion, with tourists able to use DA as a easy and cheap method of transportation to the country. 

Besides the obvious economic benefits to a revitalized national airline it would also improve Deltaria's strategic position. A stronger carrier could  be aligned with foreign policy interests - for example, opening flights to strengthen ties with partner countries or emerging markets. In crises (war, natural disasters, pandemics), a stronger national airline can provide strategic airlift capacity. It would also serve for  defense logistics or humanitarian operations when private airlines might not.

With this in mind, the Ministry will invest a total of 25 billion in the coming years to purchase new aircraft, improve ground infrastructure, expand the organization and add new international and regional flights to the DA's roster. To make sure these investments are fully spend on developing the airline, the state will expand its share in DA from 49% now to 55%, costing a estimated 3 billion DTE. The expansion puts most shares in government hands, allowing the government to further steer its policies and priorities. Management is to be overhauled, with a new CEO to be appointed and the entire Board of Directors to be replaced with professionals from other (private) airlines in the industry. This move should help in professionalizing the airline. 

Minister Magzan noted that with these changes, Deltaria will once again prioritize a functioning and proud national airline that can serve Deltarians and others in the region without issue. The ministry expects ticket prices to remain steady, as a majority of investments is made by the government directly and should not directly affect DA finances. 


A plane from the Deltarian Airways fleet