Boeing and Airbus Warn US over 5G Safety Concerns

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Bosses from the world's two biggest plane makers have called on the US government to delay the rollout of new 5G phone services.

In a letter, top executives at Boeing and Airbus warned that the technology could have "an enormous negative impact on the aviation industry."

Concerns have previously been raised that C-Band spectrum (3.7 to 4.2GHz) 5G wireless initially using 3.7 to 3.98GHz in the US could interfere with aircraft electronics.

“5G interference could adversely affect the ability of aircraft to safely operate.”
— Boeing and Airbus Americas, Dave Calhoun and Jeffrey Knittel

US telecoms giants AT&T and Verizon are due to deploy 5G services on 5 January 2022.

The letter cited research by trade group Airlines for America which found that if the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) 5G rules had been in effect in 2019, about 345,000 passenger flights and 5,400 cargo flights would have faced delays, diversions or cancellations.

The aviation industry and the FAA have raised concerns about potential interference of 5G with sensitive aircraft equipment like radio altitude meters.

“Airbus and Boeing have been working with other aviation industry stakeholders in the US to understand potential 5G interference with radio altimeters.

An Aviation Safety Proposal to mitigate potential risks has been submitted for consideration to the US Department of Transportation”
— Airbus Statement