The International Air Transport Association (Iata) said that it has welcomed updated guidance from the European Airport Coordinators Association (EUACA), adding that this should provide for a more harmonized application of Justified-Non-Use-of-Slots (JNUS) provisions.

Iata highlighted two elements of the guidance that are particularly helpful:

1) Alignment: The guidelines aim for greater consistency in the application of JNUS by encouraging coordinators at both ends of routes in question to arrive at an aligned position and with aligned procedures.

2) Transparency: EUACA recognises the value of providing timely and accurate information to airlines on the handling of JNUS requests and the need for certainty in approach, thereby supporting the planning process.

“The EUACA, with the support of the European Commission, has delivered updated guidance for managing JNUS exemptions in a market and operational environment that remains unpredictable,” said Willie Walsh, Iata’s Director General.

“We look forward to the guidance being used by coordinators and remain hopeful that the flexibility needed to ensure airline networks are not penalized for circumstances beyond their control is pragmatically applied. With the guidance being applied in line with the spirit in which the industry has advocated for, it will be a step closer to both sustaining critical European air connectivity and levelling the playing field with jurisdictions that have recognised the need for full flexibility.” – TradeArabia News Service