Overview
On 01 December 2011, the European Commission (EC) published its Airport Package proposals which contain three legislative texts one of which is on noise. Currently, noise-related operating restrictions at European Union airports are regulated through national laws, under the European Directive 2002/30/EC.
ERA’s Current Position
ERA welcomes the EC's objective to clarify the decision-making process on noise-related operating restrictions, and to obtain more consistency and evidence-based assessment, with the involvement of all stakeholders, before measures on noise are taken. ERA's main concerns with the new proposals are:
- The application of new stringency levels which extend beyond the internationally endorsed principles set by ICAO. This could create investment uncertainty, add costs and distort competition between EU and non-EU carriers. Differences in stringency levels could result in international disputes, something which has already been witnessed with the EU Emissions Trading Scheme - a situation which must be avoided at all costs.
- Parts of the proposals apply very specific conditions for applying noise restrictions which is inconsistent with the ICAO Balanced Approach. Noise is a complex and local issue and as such need to be tailored to the specific characteristics of the airport concerned on a case by case basis.
- The new proposals oblige airlines to provide detailed data to the Commission free of charge, without any apparent purpose or justification. Increasing administrative costs to airlines for no apparent reason is unacceptable.
Update
An update on this subject is expected by late 2013, when the Airport Package is scheduled to be adopted.
Useful links
http://ec.europa.eu/transport/modes/air/environment/aircraft_noise_en.htm
Papers
All associated papers are available by clicking on the Related Download button on this page.
Contacts
For further assistance please contact Leonardo.Massetti@eraa.org