KLM could terminate up to 30 destinations in its network if the Dutch government proceeds with plans to impose a ‘green cap’ at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.
The proposed cap is due to be implemented from next November and would limit flight movements to maximum of 440 000 per year. This would be a significant reduction from the current 500 000 flight movements. The cap is intended to reduce noise pollution and CO2 emissions, reports Routes Online.
According to the carrier, about 25 short-haul flights will be affected and at least five long-haul services. Routes shortlisted for termination include Belgrade, Istanbul, Kyiv, Porto, Tel Aviv, Bahrain, Kuwait City, Muscat, Boston, Edmonton, Montreal, Osaka, Taipei, Hangzhou and Xiamen.
The airline has argued that fleet renewal offers a better alternative than capacity reduction, and that reduced airport capacity will not benefit travellers, the broader network, or the Netherlands in general. It also notes that the cap will restrict the earning capacity of airlines wanting to invest in sustainability.
“I share the Cabinet’s aim of striking a balance between the interests of a good airport, the surrounding community and the environment. To this I want to add the interests of (air) travellers. The Cabinet’s current solution is to strike a better balance by reducing operational capacity at Schiphol. Calculations show that fleet renewal is a better alternative for reducing noise and CO2 emissions. This implies that it is a better solution for all,” said KLM CEO, Marjan Rintel.
Fleet renewal would mean replacing older aircraft with more efficient ones, according to EX-YU Aviation. Newer aircraft have the potential to halve noise pollution by 2030 and to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 15%.
The global aviation industry currently produces around 2,1% of carbon emissions. But with passenger numbers expected to double in the coming 20 years, without interventions, aviation will by 2050 account for 20-25% of CO2 emissions.
