27.12.2006 Official Journal of the European Union L 374/1 (Acts whose publication is obligatory) DIRECTIVE 2006/93/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 12 December 2006 on the regulation of the operation of aeroplanes covered by Part II, Chapter 3, Volume 1 of Annex 16 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, second edition (1988) (codified version) (Text with EEA relevance) THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Commu- nity, and in particular Article 80(2) thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, Having regard to the Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee (1), After consulting the Committee of the Regions, Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty (3, Whereas: 1 Council Directive 92/14/EEC of 2 March 1992 on the limitation of the operation of acroplanes covered by Part II, Chapter 2, Volume 1 of Annex 16 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, second edition (1988) (*) has been substantially amended several times (¥). In the interests of clarity and rationality the said Directive should be codified. The application of noise emission standards to civil subsonic jet aeroplanes has significant consequences for the provision of air transport services, in particular where such standards limit the useful life of aeroplanes operated by airlines. 0OJ C 108, 30.4.2004, p. 55. Opinion of the European Parliament of 10 February 2004 (O] C 97 E, 22.4.2004, p. 67) and Council Decision of 14 November 2006. OJ L 76, 23.3.1992, p. 21. Directive as last amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 991/2001 (O] L 138, 22.5.2001, p. 12). See Annex I, Part A. (3) Council Directive 89/629/EEC of 4 December 1989 on the limitation of noise emission from civil subsonic jet aeroplanes (°) limits the addition to the civil air registers of Member States of aeroplanes that comply only with the standards specified in Part II, Chapter 2, Volume 1 of Annex 16 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, second edition (1988). That Directive specifies that the limitation on addition is only a first stage. Owing to the problem of growing congestion at Commu- nity airports, it is essential to ensure that the best use is made of existing facilities. This will only be possible if environmentally acceptable aeroplanes are used. The work undertaken by the Community in cooperation with other international bodies indicates that measures to limit the operation of acroplanes which do not comply with the standards of Chapter 3 of Annex 16 must follow any non-addition rule in order for this to be of environmental benefit. Common rules for this purpose should be introduced on a reasonable time-scale to ensure a harmonised approach throughout the Community, supplementing existing rules. This is particularly important in view of the recent trend towards progressive liberalisation of European air traffic. Aecroplane noise should be reduced, taking into account environmental factors, technical feasibility and economic consequences. It is appropriate to regulate the operation of civil subsonic jet aeroplanes which appear on Member States’ registers and comply with the standards of Chapter 3 of Annex 16. () OJ L 363,13.12.1989, p. 27.