Schiphol gives airlines a break while waiting for same from city

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol confirmed it will not increase airline and passenger charges effective April 1 "in order to strengthen its competitive position in respect to the other European airports." However, it intends to introduce changes to takeoff and landing charges to further discourage the noisiest "marginally compliant aircraft" from using the airport. These will come into force on Nov. 1, 2007, at the earliest.

Meanwhile, Schiphol Group expressed "regret" that the City of Amsterdam, which holds 21.8% of the company, last week blocked privatization of the group. The city voted against an amendment to the Articles of Association that would have enabled a share listing to occur. "Since Schiphol Group's main competitors are listed companies, they have a competitive advantage by virtue of their ownership structure," the airport operator said. "The absence of a level playing field will weaken Schiphol Group's competitive position. By becoming a publicly listed company, possible acquisitions can be (partially) financed by shares and alliances can be entered into more easily by exchanging shares."

AMS management has been lobbying for a public listing for years. In June, the Dutch parliament finally ratified the Aviation Act, which makes it possible to dispose of up to one-half of the shares minus one of Schiphol Group (ATWOnline, June 28). The Dutch government holds 75.8% and the City of Rotterdam 2.4%. Schiphol Group said it took note of the proposal put forward by the Dutch finance minister to have the city's decision annulled by the Crown.