Brussels, 17/11/2000 (Agence Europe) - The Council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) rejected the motion of inadmissibility presented by the European Union, on 18 July this year, against the complaint filed by the United States denouncing the European legislation on "hushkits". After the failure of this tactical manoeuvre, the Europeans must now prepare their arguments on substance. At the same time, they are examining the possibility of introducing an appeal before the International Tribunal in The Hague, which deals with international aviation cases.
In March 2000, the United States had lodged a complaint with the ICAO against the ban on new registrations in Europe for aircraft equipped with "hushkits", in force since 4 May 2000. Washington considers this measure to be discriminatory against the American aeronautical industry, that manufactures hushkits. Attempts at bilateral negotiations having failed, the ICAO will have to decide. At the same time, negotiations over the adoption of more restrictive international standards on aircraft noise are continuing; the European regulation on hushkits could be repealed in case of success. The next meeting of the ICAO responsible for environmental standards, in January, will serve as a test case.