Countywide : UPS’ 757 Passes Airport Noise Test
United Parcel Service successfully flew a Boeing 757 out of John Wayne Airport Tuesday--without violating noise-abatement standards. The cargo carrier is seeking permission from Orange County officials to begin cargo flights to Kansas City when the new, $50-million John Wayne passenger terminal opens in April, 1990.
On Monday, Midway Airline passed the noise tests with a McDonnell Douglas MD-87. Under the airport’s proposed new flight allocations for April, Midway would be entitled to one flight each day to Chicago.
Meanwhile, Federal Express, which has led the fight by air cargo carriers for access to John Wayne, plans to test a Boeing 727 on Friday in hopes of getting permission to originate a nonstop flight to Memphis, Tenn., in April.
So far no cargo carriers have been allocated flights because of Orange County officials’ longstanding opposition to air cargo operations at the space-squeezed, noise-sensitive airport with a runway that ends near a Newport Beach residential neighborhood.
Federal Express has threatened to sue the county if it cannot gain access to John Wayne.
Airport officials have been skeptical about the 727’s ability to meet the county’s strict aircraft noise standards and have argued that both UPS and Federal Express have demanded ground facilities for which there is no room.
The airport’s flight allocations will be up for review at a public hearing to be held by the County Airport Commission at 7 p.m. Nov. 8 in the County Hall of Administration.
American Airlines has lobbied strongly to retain its current flight allocations in the face of stiff competition from other air carriers who want a bigger share of the Orange County market. American recently sent thousands of letters to members of its frequent flier program urging them to write or call the Board of Supervisors.
“I’ve heard that this tactic isn’t going over too well with county government,” said airport spokeswoman Kathie Rutherford.
American Airlines officials could not be reached for comment late Tuesday.
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