KLM announces in a response to action by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) in which slots in the U.S. may come under pressure once again to the Dutch government. ‘This possible retaliatory effect is very damaging for KLM and endangers the network that connects the Netherlands with the rest of the world,’ said a statement. “The transatlantic cooperation with Delta Air Lines, Air France and Virgin Atlantic is very important for the future of KLM. We have repeatedly pointed out to the Dutch government the possible consequences that a forced downsizing could entail in the form of restructuring. This potential retaliation effect is very damaging for KLM and endangers the network that connects the Netherlands with the rest of the world. With our ‘cleaner, quieter, more economical’ plan, we show that significantly less noise for local residents is possible without drastically cutting the number of aircraft movements. The EU will issue an opinion on this in the context of the balanced approach procedure.’
