asked the Minister for Transport if the Aer Lingus fleet of BAC 111 aircraft will have to be disposed of in the next five years to comply with EEC noise regulations; if so, if any consideration has been given to transferring these aircraft to the Air Corps; and if not, how they will be disposed of.
Written Answers. - BAC 111 Aircraft.
776.
EEC Council Directive 80/51/EEC of 20 December 1979 provides that civil subsonic jet aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 20 tonnes may not be used within member states after 31 December 1986 unless they meet noise certification requirements. Exemptions may be given for a further two-year period if the operators concerned undertake to replace these aircraft by 31 December 1988 with noise certificated aircraft.
The Aer Lingus BAC 111 aircraft do not meet the noise standards specified in the directive. Modification kits to enable the aircraft to meet noise requirements are available from the manufacturer. Aer Lingus has not yet decided whether to modify the aircraft or to dispose of them. The future of the aircraft will be decided in the light of the best economic advantage for the company.