Response to Schiphol plans
Last night it was announced that Schiphol wants to present unilateral plans today that will have major consequences for the Dutch aviation sector. These ideas contain scenarios that have an impact on our operation from Schiphol and the Netherlands. We are unpleasantly surprised that Schiphol, without any consultation, announces a closure of the night for landing and departure.
We fulfill an important social role and are aware that every company must ensure balance in living conditions in addition to offering employment. The corona pandemic has shown how important it is to be able to travel and keep flying accessible. We also take on this responsibility by investing billions in quieter, cleaner and more economical aircraft.
Night lock
Schiphol's plans include that from 2025, but preferably sooner, no aircraft will be allowed to take off between 00:00 and 06:00 and that no aircraft will be allowed to land between 00:00 and 05:00. With this one-sided proposal, Schiphol deprives approximately one and a half million Dutch people of the opportunity to enjoy a sunny holiday or visit family.
For almost 60 years, we at Transavia have been committed to keeping flying accessible with a good feeling. Free movement of people is undoubtedly a European achievement that we cherish. These ideas seem to put an end to this. It would mean that the Netherlands is locked at night and cannot be reached.
Balance
Marcel de Nooijer: “Like everyone else, we believe that it is important that what we do is in balance with the environment and the climate. These one-sided plans by Schiphol ensure that well-deserved holidays or family visits are taken away from one and a half million Dutch people and a good trip to a beautiful destination is often no longer possible. That does not do justice to our passengers and our 2,400 colleagues who work every day. This makes flying truly unaffordable for many and no longer accessible for holidaymakers or family visits abroad. A night closure is disastrous for the Dutch aviation sector and places us on the sidelines in Europe.
In conversation
As a company, we have made an important choice with an investment of billions in a cleaner, more economical and quieter fleet. Limits have also been agreed for noise and CO2 (Sustainable Aviation Agreement) and in the EU context (Fit for 55 measures) and within ICAO for 2050. We are always in favor of talking to all stakeholders instead of unilateral proposals in order to achieve a realistic plan to further reduce noise and emissions. So that we can continue to offer our passengers - who want to travel from Schiphol - that good journey.