Air, Freight News, Logistics

TIACA chief slams ‘disrespectful’ court decision

[ November 2, 2011   //   Chris ]

The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA)’s chairman Michael Steen has added his voice to industry criticism of the Hesse regional court’s ban on night flights at Frankfurt airport , ahead of a decision by the Federal Court. Steen said the short notice given ahead of the suspension of night flights as “disrespectful”to airlines and other businesses that have played such a vital role in Frankfurt’s prosperity and growth.

He added: “Banning night flights has wide ranging consequences. It means air services will be eliminated with negative impact not only on the airlines but shippers and all the businesses and consumers linked to the shipments. It also results in flights being re-routed over longer distances or flown at different times which can lead to greater congestion and emissions during daytime.”
TIACA said that aiir cargo operators tend to use night-time hours not simply because those are the slots available “but because that timeframe is critically linked to expedited delivery for the cargo once it’s on the ground. Imposing bans will have a ‘domino effect’ that penalizes businesses and consumers that rely on efficient global supply chains, often more than they realise. All-cargo operations are often forced to fly night-time operations because of slot restrictions that have been steadily increased over the years, particularly as passenger flights are usually given preference ahead of freighter services. The air cargo supply chain has adapted to cope with these changes but now faces a situation where all-cargo operations could be effectively forced away from major airports. This would have a considerably wider effect than the judicial system is likely to take into account.”
Steen fears that air cargo is already moving away from Frankfurt as a result of the court’s decision.