The federal government has moved to ban older “marginally noise-compliant” aircraft, such as Boeing 727 Freighters, from major airports from July 1.
In accordance with the Aviation White Paper, the ban will be phased in over two stages. From July 1, hushkitted aircraft will not be permitted to operate new services from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin, Cairns, Gold Coast, Essendon, Newcastle, Avalon and Canberra airports. Then, from September 1 all existing services will cease at Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth.
“Marginally compliant aircraft are predominantly used in the air freight industry and have been an ongoing source of concern for residents around Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth airports,” said Transport Minister Anthony Albanese.
“These aircraft were certified to operate following modifications to meet aircraft noise standards issued in the 1970s. Most have been fitted with ‘hushkits’ which entitles them to a ‘marginally compliant’ rating under the 1977 regulation.”
The changes will impact mostly on Boeing 727 Freighters operated by Tasman Cargo Airlines (which operates trans Tasman services for DHL) and Heavylift Cargo Airlines, as well as incoming charter operations. Under the new regulations, flights by Antonov An-124s would also be banned, which could have major impacts on the outsize freight industry.
