KATE SARSFIELD / LONDON
GA operators say decision to proceed comes as result of new EU security measures
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is expected to break ground on its first dedicated business aviation terminal at the end of the year. The decision satisfies long-standing demands by resident fixed-based operators Amsterdam Jet Center and KLM General Aviation for the replacement of the old building on the east side of the site with a new facility for business aircraft users at Schiphol.
Aad Ruijgrok, managing director of Amsterdam Jet Center, which moved onto the site in April to compete with KLM, says: "We have been putting pressure on Schiphol for a number of years to build a facility for business aircraft users. But the airport's decision to proceed with development has little to do with appeasing us and more to do with being seen to implement the new security measures that are being enforced across the European Union member states [Flight International 6-12 May]."
Ruijgrok claims the Dutch hub has been trying to force out business aviation for many years, mainly by restricting operator access. "While many operators and training schools have moved to Lelystad, 50km (30 miles) from the Dutch commercial capital, this airport cannot accommodate larger business jet types, such as the Dassault Falcon 900 and larger Gulfstream types, with its 1,200m [3,930ft] runway, so they have remained at Schiphol," he says.
Ruijgrok says Amsterdam Jet Center holds an option to take up 300m2 (3,230ft2) of space in the new business aviation terminal. Other occupants will include KLM and the Dutch Dakota Association, which specialises in handling vintage aircraft.
Schiphol Airport says while it has no plans to drive business aviation out completely, it does not want to see business aviation movements increase from the current annual tally of 8,500.
"In April we began a new slot allocation procedure to reduce the number of delays and stabilise business aircraft movements. Now general aviation aircraft are not allowed to come into the airport during peak times, between 06:00 and 08:00 for example, unless they have requested a slot in advance," says Peter Van den Brink, co-ordinator for Amsterdam Schiphol East.
He also dismisses suggestions that the airport's decision to build the business aviation terminal was driven by the new EU security measures. Van den Brink says: "We have an obligation to the GA operators and we are simply responding to their requests."
Source: Flight International
