Flexibility is key when it comes to a crisis, and while airlines have been quick to offer this to impacted travellers, one aviation expert is calling for airlines to be offered flexibility as well, especially regarding slots.
The Worldwide Airport Slot Guidelines (WASG) are in charge of the rules surrounding slots, namely the famous 80-20 rule that states that slots must be used 80% of the time for an airline to keep it.
When all is normal airlines use their slots to the fullest; there are times, however, when circumstances change so dramatically that extra flexibility is needed and according to Nick Careen, IATA’s svp operations, safety and security, this is one of those times.
. . . The War
The WASG has a Justified Non-Use of Slots exemption, and Careen says that the war in the Middle East is a situation where this needs to be applied, pointing out that for many airlines it has been impossible to operate their carefully planned schedules.
Even if the war ends today, Careen says remedies for airline schedules will not be immediate, and as such IATA and airlines are asking for governments to apply JNUS for a rolling six-week period until it is clear that normal operations are possible.
“This will give airlines something they urgently need right now: the certainty that their network, and all the years of investments to support it, is not in peril because of circumstances beyond their control,” he says.
Careen says implementing JNUS will also help avoid unnecessary flying, saving scarce fuel and reducing disruption, and it keeps airport capacity available, thus allowing airlines that can operate to step in.
“Until the situation stabilises and airlines can return to normal flying, JNUS is a critical lifeline to protect the air connectivity that is important today, and that will be even more important as we rebuild from conflict,” concludes Careen.
