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| As Online Buying Surges, So Do Noisy Cargo Flights | As Online Buying Surges, So Do Noisy Cargo Flights |
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| The last time Congress approved legislation dealing with airport noise complaints was 30 years ago, when the biggest concern was older, inefficient planes. | The last time Congress approved legislation dealing with airport noise complaints was 30 years ago, when the biggest concern was older, inefficient planes. |
| But the law, the Air Noise and Capacity Act of 1990, couldn’t anticipate an online world of overnight, and even same-day, delivery or the din it would bring to neighborhoods near the airports used by cargo planes. | But the law, the Air Noise and Capacity Act of 1990, couldn’t anticipate an online world of overnight, and even same-day, delivery or the din it would bring to neighborhoods near the airports used by cargo planes. |
| Cargo flights had already been rising rapidly in the last four years. In recent weeks, as the spread of the coronavirus has forced people indoors and fueled online shopping, those flights have become crucial to cargo companies and even to passenger airlines. As travel as plummeted, air carriers like United, American, Southwest and Delta have begun using their aircraft for some cargo operations. | Cargo flights had already been rising rapidly in the last four years. In recent weeks, as the spread of the coronavirus has forced people indoors and fueled online shopping, those flights have become crucial to cargo companies and even to passenger airlines. As travel as plummeted, air carriers like United, American, Southwest and Delta have begun using their aircraft for some cargo operations. |
| “The growing number of communities across the country with ‘shelter in place’ orders has caused more people to order goods online, since retail stores and shops are often closed,” said Henry Harteveldt, the founder of Atmosphere Research Group, a travel industry advisory firm in San Francisco. | “The growing number of communities across the country with ‘shelter in place’ orders has caused more people to order goods online, since retail stores and shops are often closed,” said Henry Harteveldt, the founder of Atmosphere Research Group, a travel industry advisory firm in San Francisco. |
| “While we may have adjusted to new customs about how we live, such as social distancing, we still expect to receive the items we buy online fairly quickly,” he said. | “While we may have adjusted to new customs about how we live, such as social distancing, we still expect to receive the items we buy online fairly quickly,” he said. |
| According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the average number of daily domestic cargo flights rose to 1,571 last year from 1,321 in 2015. And it’s not just that the number of flights is increasing. Cargo jets often fly around the clock to meet tight delivery schedules. | According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the average number of daily domestic cargo flights rose to 1,571 last year from 1,321 in 2015. And it’s not just that the number of flights is increasing. Cargo jets often fly around the clock to meet tight delivery schedules. |
| Unlike people, “cargo doesn’t care where it connects or when it flies,” Mr. Harteveldt said. | Unlike people, “cargo doesn’t care where it connects or when it flies,” Mr. Harteveldt said. |
| People who live near airports care, though. Cindy L. Christiansen, who lives in the Boston area, said she heard two cargo planes just before 4:30 on a recent weekday morning as they landed at Boston Logan International Airport. A statistician, she makes her own noise maps using Google Maps and incorporates data from Massport, the authority that owns the airport, as well as the Federal Aviation Administration and Flight Aware, a tracking service. | People who live near airports care, though. Cindy L. Christiansen, who lives in the Boston area, said she heard two cargo planes just before 4:30 on a recent weekday morning as they landed at Boston Logan International Airport. A statistician, she makes her own noise maps using Google Maps and incorporates data from Massport, the authority that owns the airport, as well as the Federal Aviation Administration and Flight Aware, a tracking service. |
| “At night, I assess the likelihood of having planes at 4 a.m. based on the predicted weather conditions,” she said. If the likelihood is high, she turns on a white noise machine. | “At night, I assess the likelihood of having planes at 4 a.m. based on the predicted weather conditions,” she said. If the likelihood is high, she turns on a white noise machine. |
| To accommodate the demand, cargo carriers are investing in an intricate network of airport hubs, airplanes and vehicles. | To accommodate the demand, cargo carriers are investing in an intricate network of airport hubs, airplanes and vehicles. |
| Amazon, for example, is investing nearly $1.5 billion in a new cargo hub at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, which is expected to open next year with a fleet of 70 planes. It will try to compete with UPS, which has more than 260 planes at its Worldport hub in Louisville, Ky., and with FedEx Express, which flies more than 650 planes from Memphis International and has been investing heavily there. | Amazon, for example, is investing nearly $1.5 billion in a new cargo hub at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, which is expected to open next year with a fleet of 70 planes. It will try to compete with UPS, which has more than 260 planes at its Worldport hub in Louisville, Ky., and with FedEx Express, which flies more than 650 planes from Memphis International and has been investing heavily there. |
| All the expansion means that “there’s more flight activity by smaller aircraft,” said Robert Mann, an industry analyst and consultant. “Cargo are logistics, so you want to use 24 hours a day if you can and because you can,” he added. Once a carrier has a hub and crew, he said, it can make more trips at lower cost. | All the expansion means that “there’s more flight activity by smaller aircraft,” said Robert Mann, an industry analyst and consultant. “Cargo are logistics, so you want to use 24 hours a day if you can and because you can,” he added. Once a carrier has a hub and crew, he said, it can make more trips at lower cost. |
| While passenger airports are usually near population centers and leisure attractions, cargo carriers require proximity to warehouses, roads and rails. But cargo planes are increasingly flying out of geographically remote airports, Mr. Harteveldt said. And those secondary airports welcome the extra money that freight brings. | While passenger airports are usually near population centers and leisure attractions, cargo carriers require proximity to warehouses, roads and rails. But cargo planes are increasingly flying out of geographically remote airports, Mr. Harteveldt said. And those secondary airports welcome the extra money that freight brings. |
| “Cargo shipments are a silent revenue driver,” said Atif Elkadi, the deputy executive director of Ontario International Airport, one of a constellation of airports in Southern California. Freight helped the airport weather the financial crisis more than a decade ago, when passenger traffic dropped over 45 percent. | “Cargo shipments are a silent revenue driver,” said Atif Elkadi, the deputy executive director of Ontario International Airport, one of a constellation of airports in Southern California. Freight helped the airport weather the financial crisis more than a decade ago, when passenger traffic dropped over 45 percent. |
| Airports nearby noticed. In 2018, March Air Reserve Base received approval for Amazon Air to operate five cargo arrivals and departures a day; currently it runs three. Last year, the San Bernardino International Airport Authority Commission approved a new $200 million air cargo facility at that city’s airport. Officials estimate deliveries will add $5 million in annual revenue. Currently, there are 30 to 70 flights a week, depending on the season; it anticipates adding about 50 daily flights. | Airports nearby noticed. In 2018, March Air Reserve Base received approval for Amazon Air to operate five cargo arrivals and departures a day; currently it runs three. Last year, the San Bernardino International Airport Authority Commission approved a new $200 million air cargo facility at that city’s airport. Officials estimate deliveries will add $5 million in annual revenue. Currently, there are 30 to 70 flights a week, depending on the season; it anticipates adding about 50 daily flights. |
| When the line between cargo and passenger facilities blurs, nearby residents like David Pearson feel the change. | When the line between cargo and passenger facilities blurs, nearby residents like David Pearson feel the change. |
| Mr. Pearson lives in Idyllwild, Calif., which is within roughly 50 miles of the March base and the San Bernardino airport. He has lived with the noise from the sites for nearly two years, especially in the early morning and late at night. It was so bad, he said, he started tracking the flights. He said he had traced them to Los Angeles International Airport, about 100 miles away, and the Ontario airport. Ontario is a regional domestic hub for UPS, and FedEx and Amazon have operations there. | Mr. Pearson lives in Idyllwild, Calif., which is within roughly 50 miles of the March base and the San Bernardino airport. He has lived with the noise from the sites for nearly two years, especially in the early morning and late at night. It was so bad, he said, he started tracking the flights. He said he had traced them to Los Angeles International Airport, about 100 miles away, and the Ontario airport. Ontario is a regional domestic hub for UPS, and FedEx and Amazon have operations there. |
| Mr. Pearson is in contact with elected officials over the issue and has coordinated a grass-roots anti-noise organization for it. During the town’s Fourth of July parade he drove a protest float decorated with inflatable toy airplanes. | Mr. Pearson is in contact with elected officials over the issue and has coordinated a grass-roots anti-noise organization for it. During the town’s Fourth of July parade he drove a protest float decorated with inflatable toy airplanes. |
| “It has a tremendous impact on peace and quiet,” he said. | “It has a tremendous impact on peace and quiet,” he said. |
| The 1990 law gave airports a way to propose noise or operational restrictions, including a nighttime curfew, to the F.A.A. The agency allowed a few, like John Wayne Airport in Orange County, Calif., to keep mandatory overnight curfews they already had on the books. | The 1990 law gave airports a way to propose noise or operational restrictions, including a nighttime curfew, to the F.A.A. The agency allowed a few, like John Wayne Airport in Orange County, Calif., to keep mandatory overnight curfews they already had on the books. |
| Updated July 7, 2020 | |
| The coronavirus can stay aloft for hours in tiny droplets in stagnant air, infecting people as they inhale, mounting scientific evidence suggests. This risk is highest in crowded indoor spaces with poor ventilation, and may help explain super-spreading events reported in meatpacking plants, churches and restaurants. It’s unclear how often the virus is spread via these tiny droplets, or aerosols, compared with larger droplets that are expelled when a sick person coughs or sneezes, or transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces, said Linsey Marr, an aerosol expert at Virginia Tech. Aerosols are released even when a person without symptoms exhales, talks or sings, according to Dr. Marr and more than 200 other experts, who have outlined the evidence in an open letter to the World Health Organization. | |
| Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. | Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. |
| Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles. | Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles. |
| A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico. | A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico. |
| The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. | The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. |
| The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. | The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. |
| So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. | So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. |
| Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. | Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. |
| A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. | A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. |
| If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) | If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) |
| If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. | If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. |
| Since the law was passed, however, the agency hasn’t granted any new mandatory curfews. Los Angeles International Airport and Hollywood Burbank Airport tried, but neither met the requirements of the law, including a cost-benefit analysis and proof that the restricted hours were not arbitrary or discriminatory and that they didn’t create an undue burden on interstate or foreign commerce. Hollywood Burbank and others have instead set voluntary curfews by negotiating with airport users. Even so, the voluntary 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew at Burbank applies only to passenger flights and not to cargo carriers. | Since the law was passed, however, the agency hasn’t granted any new mandatory curfews. Los Angeles International Airport and Hollywood Burbank Airport tried, but neither met the requirements of the law, including a cost-benefit analysis and proof that the restricted hours were not arbitrary or discriminatory and that they didn’t create an undue burden on interstate or foreign commerce. Hollywood Burbank and others have instead set voluntary curfews by negotiating with airport users. Even so, the voluntary 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew at Burbank applies only to passenger flights and not to cargo carriers. |
| Whenever possible, said James Kesler, head of cargo and development at Ontario Airport, cargo planes avoid flying over population centers, but wind, weather, traffic patterns and mechanical difficulties can cause those routes to be altered. | Whenever possible, said James Kesler, head of cargo and development at Ontario Airport, cargo planes avoid flying over population centers, but wind, weather, traffic patterns and mechanical difficulties can cause those routes to be altered. |
| In October, Amazon Air opened a regional hub with multiple flights daily at Fort Worth Alliance Airport, which is also a FedEx hub. | In October, Amazon Air opened a regional hub with multiple flights daily at Fort Worth Alliance Airport, which is also a FedEx hub. |
| Mindful of potential noise problems, the F.A.A. awarded an $8 million grant to the airport late last summer to study the effect of those flights on nearby residents. Although the initial assessment showed there was no significant impact, two neighborhoods needed further study, said Christian Childs, director of aviation operations. | Mindful of potential noise problems, the F.A.A. awarded an $8 million grant to the airport late last summer to study the effect of those flights on nearby residents. Although the initial assessment showed there was no significant impact, two neighborhoods needed further study, said Christian Childs, director of aviation operations. |
| Other airports are adding cargo flights, including Lakeland Linder International Airport between Tampa and Orlando, Fla. Eugene B. Conrad, the airport director, said the airport had just completed $27 million in runway improvements, and he anticipated as many as 800 to 1,000 new jobs from the six or seven flights a day that would transfer from Tampa International. | Other airports are adding cargo flights, including Lakeland Linder International Airport between Tampa and Orlando, Fla. Eugene B. Conrad, the airport director, said the airport had just completed $27 million in runway improvements, and he anticipated as many as 800 to 1,000 new jobs from the six or seven flights a day that would transfer from Tampa International. |
| Although major hubs at Cincinnati, Memphis and Louisville are well established, secondary sites may change on short notice. The cargo airlines have a “we’ll see how it goes” mentality, Mr. Harteveldt said. “And they may play locations off against each other.” | Although major hubs at Cincinnati, Memphis and Louisville are well established, secondary sites may change on short notice. The cargo airlines have a “we’ll see how it goes” mentality, Mr. Harteveldt said. “And they may play locations off against each other.” |
| Amazon left Providence, R.I., 10 months after moving to Hartford, Conn. And at Wilmington Air Park near Dayton, Ohio, the company withdrew temporarily only to reopen operations. “We are constantly innovating on behalf of our customers, and from time to time that means making adjustments to our air network,” Rena Lunak, a spokeswoman for Amazon, wrote in email. | Amazon left Providence, R.I., 10 months after moving to Hartford, Conn. And at Wilmington Air Park near Dayton, Ohio, the company withdrew temporarily only to reopen operations. “We are constantly innovating on behalf of our customers, and from time to time that means making adjustments to our air network,” Rena Lunak, a spokeswoman for Amazon, wrote in email. |
| In Boston, Logan airport continues to operate 24 hours a day. In 2014, neighbors filed a lawsuit complaining about an increase in noise when the airport adopted new departure procedures but lost their case. Still, they have been able to file individual complaints with the airport. | In Boston, Logan airport continues to operate 24 hours a day. In 2014, neighbors filed a lawsuit complaining about an increase in noise when the airport adopted new departure procedures but lost their case. Still, they have been able to file individual complaints with the airport. |
| Ms. Christiansen, one of the residents who brought that suit, sat on a community advisory committee for the airport until last year. She said the noise continues to affect her most in the late afternoons and weekends, when she wants to be outside gardening. | Ms. Christiansen, one of the residents who brought that suit, sat on a community advisory committee for the airport until last year. She said the noise continues to affect her most in the late afternoons and weekends, when she wants to be outside gardening. |
| “It’s anxiety producing, not anxiety calming, to be out there,” she said. “With social distancing, my neighbors and I can’t get close enough to hear each other.” | “It’s anxiety producing, not anxiety calming, to be out there,” she said. “With social distancing, my neighbors and I can’t get close enough to hear each other.” |