p32 Air mar13 10/3/09 14:03 Page 32
news air
ttglive.com
EasyJet in slot
Airports ‘will have
freeze battle
EASYJET has clashed with European legacy
to cut landing fees’
airlines over a proposal for the EU to suspend the
“use it or lose it” rule governing airport slots.
Chris Gray.
overall global passenger numbers since August
The no-frills airline has written to all 27 AIRPORTS are likely to be forced into cutting 2008, the pendulum of power in the industry
European Commissioners urging them to throw landing charges to attract business as more seems to be swinging away from airports
out a proposal by the Association of European airlines go bust over the next year, according to towards airlines.”
Airlines that the rule be suspended while airlines professional services giant Deloitte UK. Pickett added that the reduction in fuel prices
are forced to cut services to get through the The business advisory specialist predicts that had given airlines some respite this winter but
economic crisis. airlines that survive the downturn will see the that a dramatic drop in load factors had forced
The rule requires airlines to use their slots for “pendulum of power” swinging back to them many to take aircraft out of service.
80% of the time or allow them to be returned to after years when high demand meant airports “The next six to 12 months is likely to see
a “pool” for other airlines to use. could push up their charges. further significant changes, losses and failures
AEA secretary-general Ulrich Schulte-Strathaus Deloitte said excess demand at key European within the industry,” he said.
has called for the rule to be suspended, to airports had allowed them to make sizeable “Numerous airlines, including some high-
prevent airlines facing unnecessary costs by increases in charges of up to 23.5%. But it profile flag-carriers, are now in a precarious
being forced to operate flights purely to keep believes this situation will change as falling position and are looking to larger competitors to
their slots. He said it was of “utmost importance” demand and airline failures leave airports with take them over.”
that airlines could make capacity cuts without gaps in their slots – strengthening the hand of Pickett said the prospect of consolidation
being penalised by slot confiscation. airlines in negotiations over landing charges. was increasingly likely. “Although merger and
But easyJet chief executive Andy Harrison said Deloitte UK airline partner Graham Pickett acquisition activity has almost dried up
the AEA’s move was about “propping up a few said the trend was illustrated by the withdrawal in most other industry sectors, the huge fixed
poorly run, inefficient network airlines with of new routes from Heathrow launched a year cost base of airlines makes it an attractive
outdated business models”. ago as a result of the EU-US open skies deal. option in difficult times,” he said. “Mergers
Harrison said: “A slot freeze helps inefficient “Tough times have led to increased cost for enable operators to significantly reduce their
legacy airlines hoard scarce resources from airlines,” he said. “However, with the fall in overheads and increase their buying power.”
European airlines that are ready and willing
to use them. It would lead to fewer flights and
higher fares, thereby exacerbating the economic
situation, not helping it. We must resist this lurch
back to the Stone Age of protectionism.”
Cardiff tees off
airport revamp
CARDIFF airport has unveiled plans to develop
its terminal in time for the Ryder Cup next year.
Work on the terminal will start this October
and should be finished by summer next year,
ahead of the golf tournament which takes place
in October 2010.
The terminal’s approach areas will be redevel-
oped and the arrivals and departures halls will
be linked into one larger common area, providing
new food and retail services.
The airport’s managing director, Patrick Duffy,
said: “This investment will present a more dis- GAINING ALTITUDE THE HARD WAY:
Jet2.com pilot Paul James will attempt to climb
cerning image domestically and internationally, Everest to raise money for cancer research in May. James decided to embark on his
and provide a backdrop to continue to deliver mission after his father and a close friend were diagnosed and successfully treated
high standards of service. We want to see our for the disease last year. He has worked as a mountain guide for 15 years, leading
facilities being used by more airlines, offering expeditions to South America, Africa and Antarctica. His fund-raising target is £8,850 –
more choice to both Welsh patrons and visitors.” a pound for every metre of Everest. To donate, log on to
pauljameseverest.co.uk
32 13.03.2009
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