NMa makes available for perusal draft decision on cost and revenue allocation system of Amsterdam airport Schiphol

The Board of the Netherlands Competition Authority (NMa) today made available for perusal a draft decision on the cost and revenue allocation system for the period of January 1, 2011 until January 1, 2016, regarding Amsterdam airport Schiphol's activities. When setting its tariffs for aviation activities, Schiphol does so using this system.

Regulation leads to competitive prices for airline passengers
The NMa has assessed the allocation system in light of the relevant criteria laid down in the Dutch Aviation Act. Schiphol enjoys a dominant position in aviation activities. The NMa regulates the airport's tariffs in order to prevent Schiphol from abusing that position by charging its customers unreasonable tariffs. Regulation ensures that Schiphol charges airlines efficient tariffs. In turn, the airlines can charge their own customers the most competitive prices possible.

Reactions can be submitted until May 3, 2010
The so-called uniform public preparation procedure applies to the approval procedure. This means that stakeholders, including airport users within the meaning of Section 8.1b of the Dutch Aviation Act, may give the Board their opinion on the draft decision, either in writing or orally. If you would like to submit your (written or oral) opinion, you can do so until six weeks after March 19, 2010. Your reaction must be submitted before May 3, 2010.

Reactions in writing can be sent to:
Netherlands Competition Authority/NMa
Office of Energy and Transport Regulation/DREV
Reference number 200141
P.O. Box 16326
2500 BH, The Hague
The Netherlands

If you would like to give the NMa your opinion orally, please contact the Office of Energy and Transport Regulation to make an appointment. The Office can be reached by phone (+31-70-330-1942) or by email.

Further information
Further information can be found in the relevant announcement in the Dutch Government Gazette published on Friday, March 19, 2010. The draft decision and its relevant documents can be found on www.acm.nl.