WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1165/98 by Graham WATSON to the Commission. Regional airports and access to hub airports
22. 2. 1999 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 50/15 (1999/C 50/020) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1165/98 by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission (29 April 1998) Subject: Regional airports and access to hub airports Air traffic to and from regional airports constitutes a significant and growing sector in the aviation industry. Does the Commission recognize that, set against the increased volume of travellers using regional airports, there remain disproportionate economic difficulties for regional airports in securing slots at hub airports? (1999/C 50/021) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1166/98 by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission (29 April 1998) Subject: Regional airports and access to hub airports What plans does the Commission have for opening up access to hub airports for airlines operating out of regional airports? While it is economic for hub airports to open the majority of slots to the highest bidder, would the Commission support the introduction of the concept of Designated Regional Airports which would have access to a limited number of slots in hub airports at a fixed price and with the same share of peak-time travel? Joint answer to Written Questions E-1165/98 and E-1166/98 given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission (29 May 1998) The Commission is aware that airlines operating to and from regional airports find it increasingly difficult to secure appropriate slots at congested hub airports. The Commission can confirm that since the entry into force of Council Regulation (EEC) 95/93 of 18 January 1993 on the common rules for the allocation of slots at Community airports (1), the so-called Slot Regulation, pressure on the allocation system at Community airports has increased, in particular as a result of traffic growth. The situation for regional airports is being taken into account in the on-going preparation for amending and updating Regulation 95/93. One of the main difficulties in the area of slot allocation is finding the right balance between interested parties. Major airlines consider that the proposal should facilitate the operation of integrated hub and spoke networks. Regional airlines and airports consider that regional carriers should obtain a better or even guaranteed access to congested airports. Airports, in general, are interested in the stability of services, in maximising the number of passengers, and in striking a better balance between the regional market and the long haul market. These elements often conflict with each other. This is why it would be difficult to introduce changes to the current paramaters that would give priority to one category of operators over another. It is envisaged that, in the present regulation on slots, the revised legislation will retain the possibility of reserving slots on vital routes to and from regional airports where public service obligations have been imposed under Council Regulation 2408/92. Member States should therefore continue to be able to reserve slots in order to ensure the continued operation of such services between regional and hub airports. (1) OJ L 14, 22. 1. 1993