Russian airlines have secured an exemption from European Union aircraft noise regulations on routes to several new members of the trade bloc.
Russian and EU negotiators agreed last week in a summit in Luxembourg to grant Hungary and Lithuania an additional phase-out period until 31 December for non-Chapter 3-compliant aircraft operating out of Russia.
The opt-out is in addition to an existing 10-year clause permitting countries to admit noisy aircraft on a case-by-case basis, due to expire in April 2012. Several Russian charter operators had lobbied for a further extension in Hungary and Lithuania.
Source: Flight International
