Alan George/BRUSSELS
European Commission plans for a controversial shake-up of rules governing the allocation of airport takeoff and landing slots was due to be put to European transport ministers on 2 October. Some of the proposals have already rung alarm bells with major airlines, which fear they could lose important assets.
The proposal, by European Transport Commissioner Loyola de Palacio, includes an option for new or unused slots to be placed in a pool and allocated for a set term via a system favouring new entrants, which would be allowed to "cherry pick" 50% of available slots. After the expiry of a concession - typically after 10 years - a slot would be returned to the pool.
The proposals also include two main options for dismantling the "grandfather rights" system, which has allowed flag-carriers to gain a stranglehold at some airports. One option would be the "withdrawal" of certain slots, though only where other measures fail to create openings. The precise mechanism for reclaiming slots - which would be placed in the pool for reallocation - has yet to be decided.
An alternative option envisages the gradual elimination of grandfather rights, with those slots made available being allocated on the basis of "long-term concessions" of 25 years or so. Slots, whether held under grandfather rights or as concessions, must be used, with failure to achieve 80% utilisation causing their forfeiture. One means of distributing slots from the pool could be via auction.
An independent co-ordinator would oversee the slot allocation system at each airport and would be charged with maintaining liaison between the airport, air traffic control and airlines.
While major airlines view the new rules with concern, Brussels insiders insist things must change, naming Heathrow, Dusseldorf, Gatwick, Orly, Madrid and Frankfurt as those where "flag carriers have a stranglehold".
Source: Flight International
