Air N.Z. faces big bill

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33382, 14 November 1973, Page 1

Air N.Z. faces big bill

(N.Z. Press AMoeialtonl | AUCKLAND. November 13. Air New Zealand is I likely to be forced to spend several million dollars on modifications Ito aircraft after a policy 'statement by the International Air Transport Association. The international association has decided that jet 'engines should be quieter, the policy to take effect as con(version kits become available I The modifications to the (fleet of seven DCBs would (greatly reduce engine noise. The director of technical services for Air New Zealand (Mr L. Bristow) said today (that the airline had no idea of the cost of the modifications. as manufacturers had I not yet produced a kit for a |DCB. Mr Bristow said talks on ■ the modifications had already jbeen held, but he did not .know when any work might (begin. The I.A.T.A. technical committee believes that modifications will cost about SUSIm for a four-engine jet, and about 5U5250.000 for a two or three-engine jet. . Mr C. Abell, the engineering director of British Airways and the past chairman (of the technical committee, said that I.A.T.A. supported (the plan for modifications 'which would bring down noise levels. Mr Abell said that on a (world basis, the cost might ■approach SUSISOO million. To (pay for this, an increase in air fares or an increase in airport taxes might be (needed. > Any aircraft built before (the beginning of last year I would have to be modified, (said Mr Abell. Boeing 707 s and DCBs were the most common types involved. Dr R. Shaw, the assistant I director-general (Technical) of 1.A.T.A.. said that in the (United States a special fund (was being set up, and the (money would eventually be (recovered from a ticket tax I Modification kits for 707 s land DCBs were almost readv. I said Dr Shaw.