A Market in Airport Slots
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Four authors examine the possibility of creating a market in take-off and landing slots at airports
The current, arbitrary system of allocating airport slots can hinder competition and prevent slots being used by airlines that value them most. Because slots at the most congested airports such as Heathrow and Gatwick are not properly priced, there may also be pressure for expansion at those airports when expansion cannot be justified by economic fundamentals.
The authors of this study suggest how a market in airport slots can be developed to address these problems. They are careful to take account of competition issues and other special features of the industry in developing their proposals. Nevertheless, the authors agree on the need to assign property rights to airport slots and allow slots to be traded. Only then can there be a more rational allocation of scarce airport take-off and landing slots.
2003, Readings, 978 0 255 36505 5, 109pp, HC