As Brussels reviews revised Schiphol plan, KLM remains confident

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines remains confident as Brussels’ impending review of new measures aimed at reducing nightly noise pollution at Amsterdam Schiphol is impending. This follows the Dutch cabinet’s amended plan to cut aircraft movements at the airport to between 475,000 and 485,000 annually.

The Signing Off Process

KLM in a statement, said this new measure would translate into 5,000 fewer aircraft movements,  the banning of noisy aircraft and the deployment of quieter aircraft at night. The proposed night flight limit will decrease from 32,000 to 27,000.

Signed off by the new Dutch government coalition under President Dick Schoof the measures seek stricter noise standards. They will require  that  airlines to use quieter aircraft at night, with Schiphol imposing higher fees for noisier planes. KLM and its subsidiary Transavia Airlines have already committed to a fleet upgrade to reduce noise by 2025. Further more, the airline will also introduce the first of four modern A321-200NX aircraft to its fleet on September 16.

Previous suggestions were brought up for two runways to be put to rest but this was dropped due to negative feedback. The exact flight limit is still in the process of calculations, but the government plans to notify the European Commission of a proposed range of 475,000 to 485,000 flights. These measures are set for implementation by November 2025. The previous cabinet assumed that cutting numbers from 470,000 to 460,000 was necessary to meet noise targets.

Infrastructure Minister Barry Madlener, has said the revised measures provides a balance between the interests of the environment and aviation.

KLMs Other Measures

KLM emphasised the importance of the careful completion of the “balanced approach” process. Subsequently, KLM is concerned about the possible loss of historic slots could lead to retaliatory measures from other countries. This loss could result in the loss of connections important to the Netherlands as an international trading country.

Schiphol welcomed the final proposals as the next step for certainty and clarity for residents, airlines, and employees. It was already discussing several airport charges with airlines that would encourage quieter aircraft. Although it proposed a night curfew and shifting holiday flights and private jets to Lelystad, these were not included in the current measures.