The European Commission has proposed to amend the regulation on slots, so that in the period from March to October 2022, airlines that wish to retain the right to slots can use 64% of the allocated slots instead of the standard 80 %, informed the Commission. This season, they must use at least half.
“The Commission has today adopted an extension of the slots reduction rules for the 2022 summer season, which runs from 28 March 2022 to 29 October 2022. Instead of the normal requirement to use at least 80% of a given slots series, airlines will only have to use 64% to preserve the historical rights to these slots during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it was announced.
The Commission stressed that although air traffic had not yet fully recovered to 2019 levels, it had reached levels above 70% in the second half of the 2021 summer season. 89% of the 2019 level. ”
Instead of the obligation to use at least 80% of the slot series allocated to maintain slot rights, airlines will be able to use 64% of the slot series. According to the Commission, “the new utilization rate will ensure the efficient use of airport capacity while benefiting consumers”.
‘Advances in vaccination campaigns and the EU’s COVID-19-19 digital certification have helped restore travelers’ trust and aviation connectivity in the EU, putting the industry in a stronger position to deal with short-term shocks,’ said Transport Commissioner Adina Vălean, quoted in the press release.
“We can take a step further towards returning to normal airport slot management at airports next summer. The decision taken today confirms this as we are increasing the slot utilization requirements,” she added.
Source: ISBnews
