The Spanish National Commission for Markets and Competition (CNMC) has voiced support for a government proposal to relax solvency requirements in land transport concessions, a move it believes could help attract more bidders and lower barriers to entry in the sector.
In a recent report requested by the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, the CNMC reviewed a draft Royal Decree that introduces changes to the regulations on ultralight aviation (ULM) and land transport. The competition watchdog sees the reform as a step toward greater market openness, provided that safeguards are in place to prevent misuse.
The proposal would allow bidders in public tenders to demonstrate the required minimum solvency by pooling the financial capacity of companies participating in a joint bid. According to the CNMC, this measure could encourage more operators—especially smaller firms—to take part in concession tenders, ultimately fostering more competitive outcomes.
The report also assesses reforms affecting ultralight aviation, a segment that has grown rapidly in recent years and is now well established within general and sports aviation. The new rules aim to align Spanish legislation with European standards, a change the CNMC views positively. By recognizing European pilot licenses and streamlining administrative procedures, the reform is expected to strengthen the sector’s international competitiveness.
While welcoming the government’s efforts, the CNMC urges careful oversight to ensure that joint bidding arrangements are not used to restrict competition. It also calls for greater transparency and legal clarity regarding the recognition and validation of foreign licenses in ultralight aviation.
Under Spanish law, the CNMC can issue such advisory opinions either at the request of government bodies and public institutions or on its own initiative, as part of its mission to promote effective competition and sound regulatory practices across markets.
