Non-Subscriber Extract
Airlines refuse to cover A380-related infrastructure bill
By Peter O'Neill
12 December 2007
Airlines have told Jane's that they are not prepared to cover the large investment bill for A380-related airport infrastructure through higher charges.
Questioned during a panel debate at the World Travel Market exhibition in London, UK, on 12-15 November 2007, Paul Charles from Virgin Atlantic said: "Frankly, landing costs are high enough - [the A380] is about bringing costs down. We would fiercely resist [moves to raise charges]." He added that the frequency of slot usage may be more of an issue than the type of aircraft.
While commenting that the slot debate might evolve, Christine Ourmieres from Air France-KLM said: "But we don't want to see costs rising. It is impossible for us." Marvin Tan from Singapore Airlines said valuable slots, such as Heathrow, should take into account efficient use - an A380 would take up two B-737 slots.