Gatwick’s noise footprint shrinks

Improved operational procedures, including smoother descents that reduce drag and use less power, the phasing out of the noisiest aircraft and the introduction of new, quieter aircraft reduced the size of Gatwick’s noise footprint by 7% in 2018, compared to the previous year, according to the annual noise exposure contour analysis carried out by the Civil Aviation Authority.

Using the nationally recognised standard measurement (54dBA Leq), Gatwick’s noise footprint shrank from 82.7km² to 77.1km² in 2018 – compared to 2017 – with the number of people living within this smaller noise contour, reduced to 10,200 from 10,950.

Cumulatively, over the last two years, 900 people have been taken out of the noise footprint as it shrank 11% – reducing in area from 86.5km² in 2016 to 77.1km² in 2018.

Andy Sinclair, Gatwick’s head of airspace, said: “We are making good progress against our objective of reducing the impact that aircraft noise has on our local communities, but we recognise that more must be done. We are delighted with the work of the Noise Management Board and we hope that it continues its strong influence in decision making at the airport. We will continue to challenge ourselves and our industry partners and will be introducing a range of new initiatives to reduce noise further in coming years.”

www.gatwickairport.com

www.caa.co.uk

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