KLM Royal Dutch Airlines may have to cut 17 flights a day at Amsterdam Schiphol. CEO Marjan Rintel has said.
He said the cuts would come on the European flights, which heavily supports its long-haul operations. KLM is advocating for alternative measures such as using newer aircraft, smarter flight procedures, and schedules to reduce environmental pollution.
The Dutch Cabinet is currently reviewing the capacity cuts, awaiting feedback from the European Commission on its compliance with noise and carbon emission requirements. Despite opposition from the international airline industry, legal attempts to block the plan have been unsuccessful so far.
In response to JetBlue Airways seeking retaliatory measures against KLM, Rintel warned that such demands from other airlines could pose a significant threat to KLM’s international operations and partnerships. KLM, along with easyJet and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), has also filed a petition against a 37pc airport user fee increase by Schiphol.
Furthermore, global asset manager Apollo Global Management has committed to investing €1.3bn in an Air France-KLM operating affiliate, which holds the trademark and commercial partner contracts for the Flying Blue loyalty program. This investment aims to strengthen Air France-KLM’s balance sheet, while the group commits to spending €100m million on sustainable aviation fuel over the next four years.
