Summary
- JetBlue has filed a complaint to the US Department of Transportation, claiming that Amsterdam Schiphol Airport’s capacity cuts will negatively impact its presence and prevent year-round operations.
- The airline argues that the capacity cap violates the US-EU Air Transport Agreement and will essentially result in JetBlue exiting the Amsterdam market.
- JetBlue’s complaint states that the lack of slots for the upcoming scheduling season denies the airline the opportunity to compete and calls for the US government to take similar action against Dutch carriers.
JetBlue has filed a complaint to the US Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding Amsterdam Schiphol Airport’s (AMS) planned capacity cuts. The airline says it will “materially and adversely impact” its presence in AMS and prevent it from operating year-round.
JetBlue criticizes Schiphol flight cuts
As reported by Reuters, the US carrier argues the capacity cap is “in flagrant violation of the US-EU Air Transport Agreement” and would essentially spell the end of its presence in Amsterdam next year.
Photo: minhanphotos / Shutterstock
JetBlue’s complaint stated,
“Ejecting a US carrier from the U.S.-Amsterdam air services market by failing to make any slots available for the upcoming scheduling season is a clear denial of an opportunity to compete.”
The Dutch government’s plan will now see a cap of 452,500 annual flights from summer 2024 – representing an 8% reduction on current capacity – to reduce noise pollution. JetBlue called on the US government to implement “counter-measures” by taking similar steps against Dutch carriers – it
An early exit from Amsterdam?
JetBlue said in its complaint that, based on a consultation with Airport Coordination Netherlands (ACNL), it almost certainly will not receive any slots for the summer season next year beginning March 31st, 2024.
This, it says, will lead to the airline’s effective “elimination” from the Amsterdam market.
JetBlue said in a statement,
“Carriers with historics at Schiphol are facing a 4% reduction in capacity. New entrants such as JetBlue are facing a completely closed market and 100% expulsion from the market. This is not a fair or proportional outcome despite Dutch government assurances otherwise.”
Photo: Bradley Caslin/Shutterstock
JetBlue has only just launched flights to Amsterdam, having fought hard – including threatening legal action – to acquire its two slots. Its first service – operated by an Airbus A321LR – arrived from New York JFK in late August. The carrier then successfully launched another route from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) only ten days ago.
The industry responds
Many across the aviation industry strongly oppose the Dutch government’s plan. Airlines for America (A4A) filed a complaint earlier this month, claiming the flight cuts are unlawful. Schiphol has faced legal action for its proposal but recently won an appeal in its favor before confirming its plan.
A spokesperson for Schiphol Airport told ch-aviation,
“The most important thing for Schiphol is that aviation becomes quieter, cleaner, and better. From the airport’s perspective, we are doing this through our recently launched eight-point plan, among other things.”
Dutch carrier KLM has also continued its opposition to the proposal, claiming there are better ways to accomplish noise reduction than cutting flights. The airline cited the European Union’s ‘Balance Approach’ doctrine, which states flight cuts should only be implemented if alternatives are unviable.
Do you think JetBlue has a valid case against the proposed capacity cuts at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport? Let us know your insights in the comments.
Source: Reuters, ch-aviation