Brisbane Airport farewells noisy jet aircraft
Brisbane Airport Corporation Pty Limited (BAC) has welcomed the Federal Government’s ban on older noisy jet aircraft from 1 September 2010 at major Australian airports.
BAC Executive Manager Corporate Relations, Jim Carden, said Brisbane Airport had worked closely with the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Anthony Albanese, over the past three years to phase out older jets, which are mainly operated by cargo companies.
“The Federal Government should be congratulated on its proactive approach to this complex issue. Although these older jets are often hush-kitted, making them ‘marginally compliant’, we still receive a significant number of noise complaints regarding these aircraft, in comparison to the more modern, noise efficient aircraft,” Mr Carden said.
Earlier last year, BAC successfully negotiated with Australian Air Express to phase out operation of their older aircraft at Brisbane Airport, which resulted in a noticeable reduction in noise complaints.
“By national and international standards, Brisbane Airport receives relatively few noise complaints, however while we have only had a handful of these older generation aircraft operating in ‘noise sensitive hours’, they have been disproportionately represented in the complaints.
Today’s news is a win for residents who live under flight paths and we endorse the Government’s push for a modern, quiet and fuel efficient aircraft fleet to address noise and climate change,” he said.
BAC is this week hosting the first Brisbane Airport Community Forum of 2010, as part of its community engagement program to give residents information and data on operational issues such as noise, traffic and development.
“We recognise that airport operations have a range of impacts on the community, so we need are seeking a wider engagement with our community to ensure we address concerns and provide the necessary information for people to make the right choices for housing and other activities. Today’s announcement from the Federal Government is a perfect example of how this engagement process can work effectively.”
The Brisbane Airport Community Forum is being held tomorrow (31 March 2010) from 6 to 8pm at the Camp Hill Bowls Club (intersection of Oateson Skyline Drive, Russell Avenue and Ferguson Road).