KNUTSFORD-based aviation and environment campaigner Jeff Gazzard travelled to the university city of Iasi, Romania last week for a three-day conference, supported by the European Commission, to consider 'Managing aviation noise impacts - mapping future research priorities'.

Participants included major independent and Government-linked research institutes and universities, aero engine and aircraft manufacturers, noise experts and social scientists, local authorities, airports and airlines as well as Government aviation and environment regulators.

Jeff was invited by the organizers of the multi-million € EU-funded X-Noise project to present and explain the views of environmental NGOs and community groups on how best to define aviation noise impacts, research needs and potential solutions.

Jeff said: “As a council member of the Aviation Environment Federation, I was really pleased to accept this invitation from the EC to speak at what proved to be an extremely informative and high-level event.

"I came away having been asked to submit outline research projects on economics, looking at the external costs of aviation; the health impacts of noise and air quality around major airports and WHO/EU standards; and a Europe-wide study of aviation’s CO2 emissions profile and prognosis, all of which are needed to better understand future solutions – and to ensure they eventually filter down to Knutsford too!”