Belgium is reportedly planning to introduce new taxes on aged and noisy aircraft as part of its efforts to lower noise and air pollution, reported Reuters.
These taxes will also apply to private jets and short-haul flights.
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Currently, Brussels Airport (BRU) aircraft need to pay a tax determined by the noise level produced at take-off and landing.
So far, small aeroplanes such as private jets have been exempted from the taxes.
Expected to be implemented from 1 April next year, the new system of duties will collect taxes based on levels of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, besides destination and noise.
The authorities will increase the duties for flights shorter than 500km.
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By GlobalDataBelgium deputy prime minister and transport in-charge minister was quoted by the news agency as saying: “The noise pollution experienced by residents near Brussels National Airport, whether they live in Flanders, Brussels or Wallonia, cannot remain as it is.”
According to the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA), business aviation accounts for 12% of all air traffic in the country.
Meanwhile, in another recent development in the country’s aviation sector, Brussels Airport acquired an 80% stake in Belgian technology company Jetpack for an undisclosed amount.
Jetpack, which was established in 2017, integrates data analysis with artificial intelligence (AI) for the conversion of data into information to improve business processes and enhance innovation.
