Albany, NY (June 20, 2002) - - Airlines have begun upgrading their fleets assigned to Albany International Airport to include newer and quieter aircrafts. The new fleet mix, which includes Boeing 737's, Airbus and Regional Jet models, has resulted in a significant reduction in aircraft noise at and around the Airport.

In recent weeks, Delta and United Airlines have replaced their aging fleet of Boeing 727's with newer and quieter aircraft. The Boeing 727 was the noisiest aircraft operating among the Airport's fleet of 44 daily jet departures.

"The Airport Authority and the airlines serving Albany International Airport have shown a continued commitment to reducing noise and improving service to our community," said Rev. Michael A. Farano, Chairman of the Albany County Airport Authority. "The introduction of this new generation of aircraft has significantly lowered the level of noise produced by arriving and departing aircraft and has reduced the impact of Airport traffic on our neighbors."

Delta Airlines has eliminated its entire Albany fleet of five Boeing 727's and has replaced them with much quieter Boeing 737-800 series aircraft. Delta operates three daily non-stop flights to Atlanta and two non-stop flights to Cincinnati. In addition, Delta Connection now operates two daily non-stop Regional Jet flights to Cincinnati.

United Airlines has phased out both of its 727's assigned to Albany and has replaced them with quieter Boeing 737's, Airbus A-319 and A-320 models. United Airlines operates two daily non-stop flights to Chicago. In addition, United Express has upgraded five of its six daily non-stop flights to Washington with quieter and more efficient Regional Jets.

The newer and quieter Boeing 737's and Airbus aircraft produce about 1/3rd the noise of the older and less efficient 727's.

Northwest Airlines has replaced two of its DC-9's with a quieter and more efficient Airbus model A-319. Northwest operates four daily non-stop flights to Detroit.

To further the Airport's successful 20-year program of noise reduction, the Airport Authority is currently in the process of updating its Noise Compatibility Plan. The study is funded by the Federal Aviation Administration and includes noise tests taken throughout the community. Results of the study will be used to help further reduce aircraft noise at and near the Airport.

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