Airport slots are a vital component in the aviation industry, particularly for busy airports like London Heathrow. In this article, we will delve into the world of airport slots, exploring their significance, how they work, and the challenges faced by airlines and airports alike.
What is an Airport Slot?
An airport slot is a permission given by a slot coordinator to use a runway at a busy airport. Slots are used as a tool to manage capacity effectively and efficiently at airports that have high flight volumes. At London Heathrow, for instance, slots are managed entirely independently of the airport itself.
The History of Airport Slots
In 2007, Continental Airlines held a record number of slots at Heathrow Airport, with 104.5 hours allocated per week. This was followed by Delta and Etihad in 2013, who held 30.8 hours and 46.2 hours respectively. These numbers give an indication of the importance of airport slots in the aviation industry.
The Department for Transport's View
In the United Kingdom, the Department for Transport has stated that the slot system is not designed to stimulate a competitive market environment and has no means of taking into account broader objectives. This highlights the need for reform to make the system more efficient, competitive, and environmentally friendly.
List of Cities with More than One Commercial Airport
According to IATA, several cities have multiple commercial airports. For example, New York City has three major airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Similarly, Tokyo has three major airports: Narita International Airport (NRT), Haneda Airport (HND), and Tokyo International Airport (HND).
The Impact of Ghost Flights
Ghost flights refer to empty planes flying in the skies. According to CNN, US airlines are planning to burn 20,000 tons of CO2 per day due to FAA rules. This highlights the importance of slot allocation in reducing unnecessary emissions.
London Heathrow's Concerns
London Heathrow has expressed concerns over potential changes to the current slot system. The airport is urging the UK Government to maintain the current 80:20 slot ratio, which means that if an airline wants to retain a slot, it needs to operate flights from that slot at least 80% of the time – known as the ‘use it or lose it’ rule.
The Request for Clarifications
London Heathrow is also asking for clarifications to the “justified non-use of slots” (‘JNUS’) regulation. This would enable airlines to hand back slots they will not use earlier than they can, reducing unnecessary emissions and improving stability for passengers.
Airport slots are a crucial component in the aviation industry, particularly for busy airports like London Heathrow. By understanding how airport slots work, we can appreciate the importance of effective slot allocation in managing capacity effectively and efficiently at airports that have high flight volumes.