EU DELAYS HUSHKIT BAN FOR A MONTH
European Union transport ministers have approved a one-month delay in
the EU’s proposed ban on noise-muffling airplane hushkits.
The EU officials said the delay will provide more time for the U.S. and
the European Commission to explore possible changes that would satisfy U.S.
concerns.
European officials say the hushkit ban is an honest effort to reduce
airplane noise. U.S. officials have denounced it as an attempt to handicap
U.S. companies that make and use hushkits. U.S. congressmen have threatened
to rescind landing rights for the Concorde supersonic plane if the hushkit
ban goes through.
EU Transport Commissioner Neil Kinnock said the one-month delay "will
provide a good opportunity to take account of the U.S. concerns without
compromising the content or effect" of the hushkit ban.