France's Compagnie Corse-Méditerranée (CCM) will remain the sole operator on routes between southern France and the island of Corsica, despite the routes being opened up to competition.
The surprise move follows the Corsican Regional Assembly's cancellation of the public service tender to link Ajaccio, Calvi and Bastia with Marseilles and Nice.
Swissair subsidiary Air Littoral's bid to operate the routes with ATR 42s and Fokker 100s for $30.8 million - less than CCM's undisclosed offer - was therefore not considered, leaving Air Littoral unable to offer any France/Corsica services for the rest of the winter season.
Source: Flight International