U.S. DISTRICT COURT RULES IN FAVOR OF VAN NUYS AIRPORT NOISE RESTRICTION

(Los Angeles, CA - August 27, 2001) A U.S. District Court judge today upheld a noise restriction at Van Nuys Airport significantly limiting the number of Stage 2 jet aircraft that can be based at the airport.

The Non-Addition Rule restricts the addition of any Stage 2 aircraft with noise levels exceeding 77 decibels (per Federal Aviation Advisory Circular 36-3) from being based at Van Nuys Airport subject to certain exemptions. Further, the rule prevents non-based Stage 2 aircraft with such noise levels from being parked, tied-down or hangared at the airport for more than 30 days in any calendar year except for major maintenance, repair and refurbishment purposes.

"Today’s court decision is a major victory for the City of Los Angeles and the communities near Van Nuys Airport," said Selena B. Birk, Van Nuys Airport manager. "We believe the Non-Addition Rule effectively addresses the concerns of airport neighbors, while balancing the economic concerns of the airport tenants."

The National Business Aircraft Association and a number of airport tenants filed suit against the City of Los Angeles in U.S. District Court in August 2000. The Court entered a judgement in the City’s favor on the equal protection, supremacy and air commerce clauses. The Court found the plaintiffs had not met their burden of demonstrating that the Non-Addition Rule was unreasonable, arbitrary or discriminatory.

Ranked as the nation’s busiest general aviation airport, Van Nuys Airport is one of four airports owned and operated by Los Angeles World Airports, a self-supporting department of the City of Los Angeles.