The Department for Transport has published a report by DotEcon on alternative allocation mechanisms for airport slots created by new airport capacity. The Government wishes to promote efficient use of scarce capacity at congested UK airports and the project was commissioned by the DfT to inform UK policy further, ahead of expected proposals from the European Commission for new regulations on slot allocation. The process included extensive dialogue with airlines, airport operators and the airport coordinator in order to develop practical proposals. The report concludes that a two-stage hybrid allocation mechanism consisting of a relatively simple clock auction followed by detailed administrative scheduling would be a feasible solution that could greatly improve the efficiency of slot allocation to the benefit of consumers. The full report can be downloaded here.
