IATA Says "Fragmentation of Slot Regulation Risks Disruption"

The International Air Transportation Association has called for the "the global alignment of airport slot regulations to safeguard...allocation under the Worldwide Airport Slot Guidelines (WASG)."

The gritty details of airline operations aren't often the subject of such intense scrutiny, but recent developments have begun to imperil the status quo enjoyed under the WASG. "Consumers have benefitted from a consistent growth in reliable schedules and expansion to new markets, while airlines and airports have seen an increase in the utilisation of scarce airport capacity," said the IATA in its statement of support.

They continue, adding that the "Fragmentation of slot regulation risks disruption to airline schedules and imperils the advances in global connectivity, efficiency, competition and choice." It takes issue with the number of growing slot-regulated airports in the industry, seeing each facility as going its own way and playing in its own interest. Under their ideal system, governments would incorporate the WASG or "amend existing slot regulations to work with the Worldwide Airport Slot Board." Under the board, "slot experts" from airlines, airports, and industry figures serve to evaluate and regulate the issuance of aircraft slots throughout the greater air transit network. The decrease in autonomy, the IATA says, is made up for by "the benefits of an increasingly more interconnected, sustainable and efficient air transport network."

“The air transport industry thrives on consistent global standards. The Worldwide Airport Slot Guidelines are the unsung hero of the air transport system. Because of the WASG, travelers, businesses and economies the world over have benefited from constant growth in air connectivity, strong competition, and route diversity while ensuring that utilization of scarce airport capacity also increased. Governments should align their slot rules with this global standard to benefit from better air connectivity, efficiency, and consumer choice,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

FMI: www.iata.org