Danish Air Transport, widely recognized as DAT, has been a prominent figure in Scandinavian aviation since 1989. Renowned for its scheduled and charter flights across Denmark and Norway, DAT annually carries up to a million passengers. However, July 2018 marked a significant turning point for the airline as it broadened its operational scope to the Mediterranean, initiating services from three Sicilian airports to the picturesque islands of Lampedusa and Pantelleria. This strategic move represents a notable shift from its traditional Nordic territories.
This expansion into the Italian regional market was underpinned by a €38.6 million Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract, awarded to DAT to operate these vital routes, previously managed by Mistral Air. This contract, spanning three years with an option for a fourth, effectively grants DAT exclusivity on these routes, precluding competition from other carriers.
Luigi Vallero, the general manager of DAT’s Italian subsidiary, DAT Volidisicilia, explained to Routesonline the rationale behind this strategic decision: “We perceived it as a good opportunity to enter a major European regional market where we could potentially grow a number of further routes in the coming years.” This venture into Sicily was seen as a stepping stone for broader expansion within the European regional aviation landscape.
Securing the contract in April, DAT swiftly launched its inaugural service on July 1st. Vallero emphasized the urgency and rapid pace required during the intervening months. “Although DAT had already been flying in the past in Italy on behalf of other airlines, this was the first time it did so at its own commercial risk and everything had to be built from scratch, from designing the Italian website and negotiating contracts with suppliers, to hiring local crews and finalising all operational arrangements,” he elaborated, highlighting the comprehensive startup process undertaken by DAT Volidisicilia.
DAT Volidisicilia deployed three ATR72-200 aircraft, sourced from the group’s Lithuanian subsidiary, anticipating over 6,100 flights annually connecting Lampedusa and Pantelleria with mainland Sicily. Beyond serving the essential travel needs of the island populations, the airline aims to stimulate tourism growth to these unique destinations in the coming years.
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Reflecting on the initial months of operation, Vallero acknowledged a steep learning curve. “Starting in the very peak of the season, with the maximum number of flights and passengers was not easy, but we managed to cope,” he stated. He further noted initial logistical challenges in ensuring a smooth supply chain for spare parts from Scandinavia and Lithuania to the Sicilian islands, issues that have since been effectively resolved.
Adding to the operational complexities, Vallero pointed out the unique challenges posed by Pantelleria Airport. Its location on a plateau surrounded by hills makes it susceptible to strong crosswinds, particularly during winter. Furthermore, the “mountain cloud” phenomenon, a localized weather condition, can lead to extended airport closures, sometimes lasting for days.
Lampedusa Airport also presents its own set of operational considerations. Its proximity to the island’s harbor means that the arrival of the main ferry from Sicily can impact flight operations. The height of the docked ferry can encroach into the flight path, necessitating temporary airport closures to ensure safety.
Despite these operational hurdles, DAT Volidisicilia successfully transported nearly 90,000 passengers across its network between July and October. The airline projects carrying approximately 210,000 passengers in its first year of operation, demonstrating the strong demand for these regional air services.
Vallero also commented on the positive reception from the island communities. While acknowledging that residents have previously encountered foreign airlines like Avanti Air and Darwin/Etihad Regional, he emphasized DAT’s commitment to integrating into the local culture, which has been warmly welcomed.
The branding, DAT Volidisicilia, translating to “DAT Flights of Sicily,” underscores this local focus. Aircraft serving these routes are named after the islands, and Sicilian soft drinks are offered onboard. Further enhancing community engagement, the airline has plans to sponsor local sports teams, embedding itself within the fabric of island life.
“We are also working on setting up an interline agreement with a major Italian airline and want DAT Volidiscilia to become a true ambassador for the islanders,” Vallero stated, highlighting aspirations for deeper integration and broader partnerships. Looking ahead, Vallero is optimistic about the region’s tourism potential. “We strongly believe there will be an increasing number of tourists in the coming years and we want to promote the destinations abroad with special focus in the Scandinavian market, where DAT is a well-known and respected brand,” he concluded, signaling a strategic intent to leverage DAT’s Scandinavian brand recognition to attract tourists to the Sicilian islands.
DAT Volidisicilia Network: Discovering the Pearls of the Mediterranean
Lampedusa and Pantelleria, often referred to as the “white” and “black” pearls of the southern Mediterranean respectively, offer distinct and compelling attractions for travelers.
Lampedusa entices visitors with its “pristine beaches, white cliffs and crystal clear waters,” presenting an idyllic Mediterranean island paradise. In contrast, Pantelleria boasts a dramatic volcanic landscape, crisscrossed with numerous trails, unique local architecture, and a distinctive cuisine featuring local specialties such as caper berries and exquisite zibibbo and passito wines.
The DAT Volidisicilia network encompasses five key routes: connecting Lampedusa to Catania and Palermo, and Pantelleria to Catania, Palermo, and Trapani. During peak summer months, the airline operates an average of 22 sectors per day, scaling down to 16 sectors during the winter season. In the high season, aircraft deployment sees two based in Lampedusa and one in Pantelleria, shifting to one aircraft based on each island during the winter months, reflecting the seasonal fluctuations in demand and tourism.
