“We will always have to check every situation: what are the solutions?”, responds to a question from broadcaster Sven Kockelmann about the possible consequences of the night closure. The CEO emphasizes the airline's Dutch base and the growth Transavia has seen in the Netherlands. “It's not easy to pick it all up at once and put it somewhere else. This can have serious consequences.”
Transavia strongly opposes plans for a night-time closure of Schiphol, aimed at reducing noise pollution and carbon dioxide emissions. According to De Noijer, the nighttime shutdown is not necessary, partly because the company's new planes are quieter than current planes. The CEO also warns of the consequences for airfare affordability if Schiphol Airport closes at night.
Night flights are important to the airline's revenue model. The CEO explains that Transavia wants to work three times a day. “Because it means we can move as many seats as possible and therefore continue to fly at affordable prices. And nighttime is a very important part of that.”
According to De Noijer, Transavia has 73 percent of all night shifts — between midnight and 5 a.m. — in Schiphol. “We are the major consumer in this segment.”
