Existing and potentially new air carriers to Long Beach Airport have until February 8 to declare interest in nine additional flight slots being offered, according to airport officials.

 

A recent noise analysis audit, conducted by an independent firm and confirmed through a second company, indicated that noise levels from aircraft have been reduced at the airport, requiring, under the city’s Airport Noise Compatibility Ordinance, that nine additional flight slots be offered to air carriers. This increases the airport’s slots from 41 to 50.

 

Under the city’s Airport Noise Compatibility Ordinance, a legally binding decree that was approved in 1995 and signed off by the Federal Aviation Administration, the City of Long Beach is able to maintain local control of flights at the airport providing the city is reasonable with regard to flight activity and the national transportation system.

 

The noise ordinance stipulates that the airport conduct an annual analysis of noise levels. If the analysis declares that noise levels exceed an established ceiling, then flight slots must be reduced. Conversely, if noise levels fall below an established floor, then flight slots must be added.

 

Early last month, airport management declared that, based on an analysis and review of noise data for October 1, 2014, through September 30, 2015, the airport is currently operating below noise budgets for air carriers, and up to nine additional flight slots could be made available. The city council was briefed on the airport management’s recommendations at its December 8 meeting.

 

Airport Director Bryant Francis issued a letter dated January 7 outlining protocols for air carriers to request additional slots. He noted that any new entrant air carriers requesting capacity would be awarded at least two flight slots.

 

Bryant noted that airport management will withdraw any flight slots allocated over the current 41 slots if, at any time in the future, airport management determines that the allocation of additional flights is “jeopardizing the noise limits at the airport.”