TOM GILL / LONDON
Report predicts quieter future as fight against further curbs on movements stepped up
The European Regions Airline Association (ERA) has renewed its fight against restrictions on the future growth of its members with the release of a study claiming that noise levels generated by regional aircraft are no greater than trains, and will become substantially quieter in the future.
The study projects that by 2010, the typical regional aircraft in Europe will make around 40% less noise than the current International Civil Aviation Organisation Chapter 4 requirements, representing a cut of a third on present levels. The research, covering 3,400 aircraft in operation between 1996 and 2001, also concludes that on average regional aircraft are already half as noisy as they were in the 1970s.
ERA hopes the research will win over public opinion, the European Commission (EC) - whose White Paper on Transport Policy published last September made what the ERA describes as "pro-rail" proposals - and individual European Union (EU) governments such as the UK, which ERA director general Mike Ambrose says he is "more or less certain" will take a position "broadly in line" with the EC.
"We recognise that we have a noise problem," says Ambrose. "What is missing [from the debate] at the moment is objectivity. The study shows the truth about noise in our sector and should allow regulators to make better policy decisions." He claims the EC's approach is based on "perception and prejudice" and its policy decisions on "very poor" research.
European railways already enjoy €13 billion ($11.9 billion) in annual subsidies, plus billions more in cash grants, says the ERA, and now high-speed rail will receive the bulk of €400 billion needed for the EU's trans-European transport network, while the air transport industry will get little.
Source: Flight International
