I use the concept of an advanced technology, low-noise commercial aircraft as a basis for considering the complex relationships among airport noise, regional economic development, and airline profitability for two airport-regions in the United Kingdom: Greater London and the East Midlands.

I identify sizable economic impacts from aviation growth at the regional level, both from the air transport sector itself and also from its wider catalytic effects on economic productivity. I also assess the changes in community noise that would be associated with the introduction of an advanced technology, low-noise aircraft under different aviation growth scenarios.

Finally, I discuss the fuel price, capital cost, maintenance cost and environmental regulation scenarios under which such low noise aircraft would be attractive to airlines. Altogether, this analysis highlights some of the important interdependencies within the air transportation system as they relate to regional economics, industry economics and community noise.