United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Incentives for quieter aircraft at the Grand Canyon
Pleasure flight operators at the Grand Canyon are being encouraged to curb aircraft noise with lower fees payable for sightseeing trips over the National Park.
Effective from January 1, operators with technology installed to cut engine noise will be eligible for a reduced fee of $20 per flight. Operators yet to meet noise reduction targets will continue to pay the existing $25 per flight.
Hikers on the ground have long complained of excessive noise levels caused by frequent pleasure flights which disrupt the general tranquility of the Grand Canyon’s surroundings.
Working in collaboration with the National Park Service, the Federal Aviation Administration came up with a formula to assess whether aircraft can be considered quiet based on noise certification levels and number of seats per aircraft.
According to park spokeswoman Maureen Oltrogge, around 60% of air tour companies operating at the Grand Canyon have already achieved the necessary standard.
"Any kind of a reduction from noise is going to provide a better experience for park visitors. It’s not quiet but it’s quieter than the standard technology," said Oltrogge.
She also said that with full conversion, operators would save around $250,000 a year in reduced fees.
Similar quiet technology is also in use at other national parks including Haleakala in Hawaii and New York’s Statue of Liberty.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Tony from Gatto’s Pizza on Columbus’s Unique Pizza Trail
Sophia Hyder Hock on Global Social Inclusion in Tourism
Sustainable Tourism: Don Welsh on Community Values and Global Collaboration
Jane Cunningham: Enhancing European Engagement in Tourism
Kristin Dunne: Navigating Destination Strategy
Revolutionizing Mobile Connectivity: Boris Bijlstra on HUBBY eSIM
Capturing Glasgow’s Vibrancy: An Interview with Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life
Lebua Hotel & Resorts: Rajan Khurana on Hospitality and Bangkok’s Charms
Sustainable Tourism and Growth: Insights from Chiravadee Khunsub from Tourism Authority of Thailand
Revolutionizing Travel: SmartSIM USA’s Dale Takio Unveils the Power of E Sims
TravelMole Interview with Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy CEO of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka
Unveiling the Essence of Magari Tours: A Dive into Authentic Italian Experiences
EU airports bring back 100ml liquid rule
British Airways passengers endure 11-hour 'flight to nowhere'
CLIA: Anti-cruise demos could cause itinerary changes in Europe
Co-pilot faints, easyJet flight issues ‘red alert’
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak