Transavia response to Schiphol cabinet decision
Transavia is doing everything it can to reduce noise pollution. This year, the Boeing 737-700 was phased out, six new Airbuses were put into service and more will follow soon. These aircraft make considerably less noise, which has a direct positive effect on the area around Schiphol. We are investing billions in quieter aircraft and have repeatedly stated that with measures from the sector in our ten-point plan, such as a quieter fleet, we will achieve the joint target of 20% less noise. This shows that a smaller Schiphol is not necessary to achieve the noise targets.
Transavia therefore finds it incomprehensible that the government is coming up with a reduction to 478.000 aircraft movements and thereby claims to achieve only 15% noise reduction.. The goal of reducing noise pollution is not central, but a number, a number of flights. This unnecessary reduction in the number of flights leads to less affordable holidays and family visits for millions of Dutch people and economic damage for our country.
We have serious doubts about the assumptions with which the ministry arrived at this figure. The decision-making process does not meet the requirements of a careful Balanced Approach procedure, in which achieving the goal should be central, namely reducing noise. Shrinkage should not be a goal in itself. The measures the industry is taking with the Cleaner, Quieter, Stronger plan are sufficient to achieve the desired noise reduction. We await the advice of the European Commission.
This press release was translated using automated tools. Please refer to the original Dutch version for the most accurate information.