EU Ban of Jets Rankles Carriers

A vote by the European Union to reduce aircraft noise by banning the use of some Boeing 727 aircraft has international air freight carriers and the U.S. Congress up in arms.

The Feb. 10 vote would bar companies from using 727-200s, passenger jets that have been converted for freight, even if the planes have been modified to meet noise regulations. If approved by the union’s Transport Council on March 29, the ban would take effect April 1.

Freight carriers are concerned that local governments and airports might use the vote to ban 727-200 aircraft altogether, even those that have been modified to reduce noise.

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