Air transport partners welcome latest developments in EU rules on noise

The European Parliament have adopted a new regulation on the establishment of rules and procedures with regard to the introduction of noise-related operating restrictions at European airports. Airlines and airports welcomed the clarification and harmonisation of the methodology which will need to be followed prior to the introduction of any new noise mitigating measures.

Without undermining the decision-making power of local authorities, the new legislation will require the adoption of new measures to be preceded by a comprehensive noise assessment. This assessment will also be accompanied by a transparent consultation of all stakeholders in line with the ‘balanced approach’, an international policy endorsed by all the member states of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The potential effects on the economy and impact on the capacity of air transport in Europe will also be taken into account.

Olivier Jankovec, Director General, ACI EUROPE, and Athar Husain Khan, Chief Executive Officer, Association of European Airlines (AEA), commented “Today’s result at the European Parliament is welcome news. Thanks to the strengthened application of ICAO’s ‘balanced approach’ at the initiative of the European Commission, the assessment of operating restrictions will now become more transparent and robust. Once in place, this new Regulation should not only open up better lines of communication between the EU and national authorities dealing with this issue, it will also help reinforce dialogue between all the different stakeholders involved.”

AEA’s CEO added “Airlines are committed to mitigating their noise footprint and therefore continue to invest in fleet renewal. As a result of technological improvements, aircraft produced today are 75% quieter than they were 50 years ago.”