Following Schiphol Airport’s announcement earlier this year of the limit to be placed on flights in order to reduce noise and carbon emission, KLM has submitted an alternative plan to the Dutch government to lower noise pollution at the airport.
According to KLM, flight capping is not the only way to reduce noise pollution. “There are other ways to solve this problem. Our approach ensures that noise impact will continue to decline.”
On June 15, the airline filed a report with the Dutch authorities, saying it would reduce the noise impact at Amsterdam Schiphol by 20% for daytime flights by 2026 and by 15% for night flights by 2024 without reducing flights.
KLM contested the initial flight capping plan at the airport, saying it would severely hinder its growth and compromise the airport’s status as a global hub.
The proposed curbing of flights meant that the airport would have seen 50 000 fewer flights by the end of the year, far below flight goals to return the industry to pre-COVID levels.
KLM and other airlines successfully blocked the plan in April using lawsuits. The Dutch court ruled the proposed plan to be against EU rules .
KLM’s alternative plan entails replacing older aircraft with newer, more efficient models to assist with noise reduction. “The money we’re earning today will be invested in tomorrow’s cleaner, quieter, more efficient aircraft,” says KLM. “New aircraft are on average 50% more silent than the aircraft they replace, constituting a substantial reduction in noise impact, as supported by figures gathered in recent years.”
The airline claims it will invest €6-€7 billion (R120bn-R140bn) in new aircraft, saying it has conducted additional research into ensuring quieter operations, including alternative flight operation procedures, and reducing the time aircraft spend at low altitudes.
KLM says it will adjust flight schedules so it deploys its quietest aircraft at night. KLM has already proposed that higher airport fees be charged for noisier aircraft than for silent aircraft at Schiphol.
“This will ensure there is an incentive for all airlines operating at Schiphol to reduce noise impact by deploying their most silent fleet.”
