The proposed ban on the operation of Boeing 777 aircraft at Brussels Airport at night has been withdrawn by Belgium's transport minister.
The ban would have had a major impact on DHL Express' operations at the airport as it operates the widebody freighter to the Belgian hub.
In June, outgoing transport minister Georges Gilkinet of the green party announced plans to end an exemption that allowed the freighter aircraft to operate at the airport even though it does not meet the noise requirements for night flights.
A DHL Express spokesperson welcomed the news: "DHL Express is satisfied that it can continue to fly with the 777F during the night period at Brussels Airport.
"The 777F is the quietest and most modern widebody cargo plane available on the market. We hope that the new federal government will provide a permanent solution to this issue, as the B777F has proven for the past ten years that this type of aircraft reduces noise pollution around the airport.
"It speaks for itself that DHL stays committed to finding the right balance between economic interests and the environment around Brussels Airport, in our opinion the B777F is certainly part of that balance."
Air Cargo News sister title DVZ reports that the regional government of Flanders, where Brussels Airport is located, protested against Gilkinet's actions.
Following the complaints, Belgium's Prime Minister Alexander De Croo (Liberal) called on the Transport Minister to withdraw his instruction.
The developments come as political parties in Belgium are currently holding talks over the formation of a new government.
During this time the outgoing government is only expected to issue urgent orders.
When the proposed exemption withdrawal was first announced, the minister for the Flemish periphery, Ben Weyts, argued that the move could actually result in an increase in the noise generated by DHL's operations at the airport.
He explained that DHL did not need to fully load the 777s operating at the airport because of their size, which helped keep the noise levels down.
If the exemption was withdrawn, DHL would need to switch to older and smaller aircraft such as the Airbus A300 which would then need to be fully loaded and in practice create more noise.
Weyts said a fully loaded A300 would create up to 60% more noise than a partially loaded 777.
"The result would be that DHL would no longer be allowed to operate night flights with the Boeing 777: a kick in the teeth for the largest parcel company at the airport," said Weyts.
He added: "On the way out, Gilkinet is still kicking a flourishing company based in Flanders, which provides employment to 1,600 often low-skilled people and makes a lot of efforts to limit noise pollution."
He also suggested a possible conflict of interests ahead of municipal elections.
The exemption was originally introduced in 2013.
https://www.aircargonews.net/policy/environment/dhl-express-ramps-up-use-of-electric-vehicles-at-brussels/
