On 19 July 2006, the new Aviation Act governing the operation of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol came into operation. The Act lays down the terms of our operating licence and the way in which the aviation charges are calculated as well as their maximum amount. This applies to aircraft, passenger and security charges. The Act also contains provisions limiting the return generated. This must not exceed the weighted average cost of capital. responsibility for overseeing our charges will henceforth rest with the Netherlands Competition Authority (NMa) and not the Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management. If there is disagreement on the charges, the NMa will examine whether any complaints from the airlines are justified. If such complaints are upheld we will be under obligation to set new charges.
This new economic regulation obliges the Aviation business area to keep totally segregated accounts for the aviation activities and the security activities. A separate annual report covering these activities in 2007 will be published in 2008. We are also required to publish a 'Main Port Report' once every three years, covering the efficiency of our operations and efforts to maintain Amsterdam Airport Schiphol's main-port status.
An English translation of the Dutch economic regulation as laid down in the General Administrative Order (Algemene Maatregel van Bestuur) is attached.