German Airport Noise Surcharges – Method of Calculation and Effects

Kurzfassung

Over the last decade, nearly all major German airports have switched to noise surcharges based on measured sound levels at take-off and landing of aircrafts even though the impact of noise surcharges on airline fleet decisions is not yet proven. Noise surcharges represent about 1% of a network airline’s operating costs, which reduces the probability of a steering effect of noise surcharges to a minimum. Thus an analysis of the level and structure of airport charges identifies a monetary incentive to operate noise-reduced aircrafts. An empirical study at five German international airports over a 10-year period analyzing the development of the fleet mix at the airports shows the fraction of movements of quiet aircrafts did increase. However, the study could not prove this development was caused by noise charges rather than a general fleet modernization process. In fact, there are many other factors, e.g. fuel consumption or range, on the decision of which aircraft type is operated at certain airports. Nevertheless, the study does indicate some marginal impact of noise charges. Recommendations for an optimization of noise charges could be drawn and are presented.