The US Federal Aviation Administration reports that US air carriers are ahead of schedule in phasing out noisier Stage 2 aircraft such as the Boeing 727 and McDonnell Douglas DC-9. The number of Stage 2 aircraft in service declined in 1995, from 2,250 to 2,048. By 31 December, 1996, airlines must either operate a fleet which is 65% Stage 3 aircraft or retire at least 50% of their Stage 2 aircraft. Stage 3 aircraft make up 71% of the combined domestic and foreign fleets, subject to the law, which is well ahead of the mandated interim compliance requirement.
Source: Flight International