Summary
- JetBlue asks US DOT to limit KLM flights into JFK as a result of Amsterdam’s plan to cut back flights, violating US-EU Air Transport Agreement.
- Reduction in flights at Amsterdam airport faces backlash from airlines and groups within the industry over concerns of economic impact.
- JetBlue opposes capability reduction, fears losing slots, and requests DOT to ban KLM from JFK as a proportional response.
As first reported by Reuters, JetBlue says it has asked the US Department of Transportation (DOT) to limit KLM flights into John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in Recent York. JetBlue believes that if Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) begins restricting the variety of flights per 12 months, the restriction would violate the US-EU Air Transport Agreement. JetBlue wants the US DOT to step in against the possible restrictions in Amsterdam by limiting flights to the US for the Dutch flag carrier, KLM.
Flight restrictions in Amsterdam
In early September, the Dutch government announced it could be reducing the quantity of allowed flights on the Amsterdam airport. The controversial policy would limit the variety of flights out of the airport to only 452,000 starting in 2024, cutting yearly flights by almost 50,000 movements. The federal government believes the reduction would limit noise pollution and carbon emissions, in addition to assist with airport overcapacity. The restrictions would also limit night flights (operations between 23:00 and 07:00) to twenty-eight,700 flights for the 12 months. This was a drop from the 32,000 currently allowed. The policy would also limit using runways during specific times to limit noise pollution to nearby residents.
Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Easy Flying
Nevertheless, several airlines and groups within the industry have disagreed with the choice. A legal dispute was brought in immediately and backed by many airlines, including KLM, Delta Air Lines, easyJet, and Tui Airways. Others who oppose the policy imagine that it could have a negative impact on passenger and freight services and that it could directly affect the Dutch economy.
JetBlue stepping in
The Recent York-based airline disagreed with the capability reduction in Amsterdam immediately. The airline filed a proper criticism to the DOT late last month, stating that it believes the restriction will prevent the carrier from operating year-round.
Photo: Vincenzo Pace I Easy Flying
The airline just began flights in Amsterdam this 12 months, when it acquired two slots after a protracted battle with the airport. JetBlue’s first service began operating from Recent York JFK. A second route was launched from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) on September 20. The Airbus A321LR operated each of those routes. On account of how recently it began servicing Amsterdam, JetBlue believes it could have a difficult time securing slots in the summertime of 2024.
JetBlue released a press release concerning the policy, stating,
“Carriers with historics at Schiphol are facing a 4% reduction in capability. Recent entrants corresponding to JetBlue are facing a totally closed market and 100% expulsion from the market. This just isn’t a good or proportional consequence despite Dutch government assurances otherwise.”
The airline recently took it a step further than simply filing a criticism with the DOT. In a letter to the DOT on October 20, JetBlue revealed that it asked the DOT to ban KLM from operating at JFK if the Dutch government continued with its plan to limit flights at AMS. The airline also stated that the brand new restrictions would almost definitely cause JetBlue to lose its slot on the busy Dutch airport. The airline stated that banning KLM from JFK can be a “proportional countermeasure” to the proposed policy.
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Source: Reuters