PRIVATE JETS ALSO CAUSE NOISE POLLUTION

Carbon emissions are a big reason why private jet use has an increasing image problem. But there is also the issue of noise, with smaller aircraft, such as private jets, being seen to be more disruptive for local communities.

For example, commenting on the proposed expansion of John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California, the LA Times blog ‘Daily Pilot’ claimed that:

“Rich private jet owners in the general aviation area will play by their rule book — flying more frequently and at all hours — and pass the cost, in terms of noise and pollution, onto the community below them.”

This is often a reason why business/general aviation is unpopular in urban areas.

At the other end of the United States, the Palm Beach (Florida) Post talked about “conversation-killing roars of take-offs and landings”, due to a 37% jump in private flights in 2022 compared to pre-COVID in 2019.

This comes as Palm Beach has been called ‘Wall Street South’, due to wealthy business executives commuting from their second homes in Florida back to New York for work.

Meanwhile, in the UK, the owners of Farnborough Airport, primarily Australian equity fund Macquarie, are focused on turning the airport into Europe’s premier business and private jet hub.

In response, a group of residents is lobbying against further expansion, citing noise concerns.

The group is calling for a curb on expansion, as well as a ban on what it sees as noisier private jets, such as the Challenger 350 and Piaggio Avanti.