The European Express Organisation (EEO), a lobby group representing the express-parcels services of UPS, FedEx and TNT, says that it strongly opposes any limitation on hushkitted Chapter 3 aircraft as proposed recently by the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) (Flight International, 16-22 July).
All three operate Stage 3 hushkitted aircraft, and the EEO declares that "hushkitted aircraft meet standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and therefore comply with Chapter 3 noise regulations". It adds that "a global industry requires one global standard", arguing for consistency with ICAO policy or a similar worldwide "understanding".
Despite the carriers' hushkit investment, the ECAC wants to force the industry to undertake re-engineing or acquire new aircraft.
Source: Flight International
