Belgian government seeks commitment from DHL to help reduce noise pollution

The government and international shipper DHL continued to struggle Wednesday to find a compromise that would keep the courier service’s European hub and thousands of jobs in Brussels while keeping noisy night flights within acceptable limits.

The government insisted Wednesday that DHL use quieter planes for intercontinental flights after newspaper reports suggested that the courier would keep using its older, noisier aircraft.

The issue has gained center stage over the past two weeks because it highlights the struggle within the government to meet its commitment to increase employment in Belgium, even if doing so may come at the cost of more environmental damage.

In the quest for a compromise, Vice-Premier Johan Vande Lanotte said the government will send DHL a letter Wednesday asking for a commitment to use less noisy planes.

For days, regional authorities have been unsuccessfully negotiating over whose territory the proposed increase in night flights should go.

The international parcel service is considering moving its hub out of Belgium, either to Leipzig, Germany or Vatry, France, if it cannot increase night flights. That could cost Belgium at least 1,800 jobs.

The company provides direct and indirect employment for about 5,800 people.

Many who live near the capital’s Zaventem airport object to the aircraft noise and have gone to court to get DHL and airport authorities to cut the number of night flights.

The government last week proposed a compromise that would increase night flights by 3,000 a year, but noise would be reduced since DHL would modernize its fleet.

Relevant Directory Listings

Listing image

Escher

Escher powers the world’s first and last mile deliveries, helping Posts connect nearly 1 billion consumers with global ecommerce networks. Postal operators rely on Escher to deliver an enhanced retail and digital customer experience, to activate new revenue streams, and to realize new delivery economics. […]

Find out more

Other Directory Listings

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

P&P Poll

Loading

What's the future of the postal USO?

Thank you for voting
You have already voted on this poll!
Please select an option!



Post & Parcel Magazine


Post & Parcel Magazine is our print publication, released 3 times a year. Packed with original content and thought-provoking features, Post & Parcel Magazine is a must-read for those who want the inside track on the industry.

 

Pin It on Pinterest

Post & Parcel
New CEO for Whistl
Australia Post proposed price increase to help the operator address losses
USPS: new mailing services price changes to take effect July 13
DHL eCommerce: by sustainably growing our operations, we are boosting our capacity
Citizens Advice: Royal Mail’s unfair price hikes are making post less affordable
New CEO for Whistl
Australia Post proposed price increase to help the operator address losses
USPS: new mailing services price changes to take effect July 13
DHL eCommerce: by sustainably growing our operations, we are boosting our capacity
Citizens Advice: Royal Mail’s unfair price hikes are making post less affordable
1
2
3
4
5
Listing image
Listing image
Listing image
Listing image
DHL announces “a pivotal move for our supply chain business”
DHL: It’s impressive to see how international trade continues to withstand every conceivable challenge
CEO DHL Group on 2024 results: we achieved substantial revenue and earnings growth
DHL: With the use of e-vehicles for last-mile delivery, we are taking an important step
Share This