The right to operate Monaco’s seven-minute helicopter link to Nice airport will now come with an environmental commitment: applicants must pledge to use at least 20% sustainable aviation fuel once it becomes available at Monaco Heliport. Environmental performance will also carry greater weight, where appropriate, when competing applications are assessed.

The conditions form part of a new call for applications for traffic rights between the Principality and Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, published in the Journal de Monaco on Friday 16th October.

The 20% sustainable aviation fuel requirement will be measured as an annual average. It will apply once the fuel becomes available at Monaco Heliport, although the order gives no date for its introduction.

The text also restricts eligibility to aircraft described as decarbonised or using fuel with a prospect of decarbonisation in the short term. When applications compete, greater importance may be given to the environmental performance of both the aircraft and their operations.

Successful carriers must honour the commitments made in their applications or risk having their operating authorisation suspended or withdrawn.

The next stage for the Monaco–Nice route

The application process follows the opening of the scheduled route to competition earlier this year. A memorandum signed by French and Monegasque aviation authorities on 3rd June allows each country to designate two carriers.

As Monaco Life reported in August, Monacair and Héli Air Monaco received permission to operate scheduled services until 31st December 2026, ending Monacair’s exclusive position on the connection.

See also:

Monacair monopoly ends as Monaco approves second Nice helicopter operator

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Photo credit: Michael Alesi, Direction de la Communication