Port of Seattle's Fly Quiet Awards Recognizes Three Sea-Tac Airlines as Good Neighbors

A new airline and a veteran winner of the program were honored by the Port of Seattle Commission today as winners of the 2009 Fly Quiet Awards for their efforts in 2008 at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Virgin America, who began service at Sea-Tac just over one year ago, was named the Quietest Passenger Airline, while Federal Express won as Quietest Cargo Airline, their fourth award in the five years of the program. Air Canada Jazz was also recognized as honorable mention in the passenger category, the first time award for the airline.

The Fly Quiet incentive program was designed to honor airline companies that work to reduce the impacts of jet noise on the region. Evaluations include measuring each airline on its compliance with noise abatement flight paths, overall noise level of its operations and compliance for testing engines on the ground. The annual awards were established by Port staff and a citizen advisory committee to increase airline and pilot awareness to benefit local communities.

"We applaud the Fly Quiet Award winners as good neighbors to the communities affected by aircraft noise," said Port Commissioner Lloyd Hara.

Both Virgin America and Air Canada Jazz scored well due to their jets following noise abatement flight paths and through operation of quieter aircraft; Virgin America with its Airbus 319/320 fleet and Air Canada Jazz with its fleet of Bombardier CRJ's (Canadian Regional Jets).
Federal Express scored the highest in noise abatement procedures and had no engine run-up violations.