Airport noise

Heathrow has submitted evidence to the Airports Commission (Davies) showing that the airport can increase flights while continuing to reduce the number of people affected by aircraft noise.

Heathrow points out that it is significantly quieter than it was in the past.  Even with a third runway, the measures mean that in 2030 there will be around 10-20% fewer people within Heathrow’s noise footprint than today.  It emphasises the following points.

1. New quieter aircraft.  By the time a third runway is operational Heathrow will have phased out the noisiest aircraft.  By 2030, 50% of aircraft will be quieter next generation aircraft like the A380, B787, A350 and A320 NEO.

2. New runway locations.  The airport’s proposals for new runways include sites further to the west than the existing airport.  Every mile further west an aircraft lands means it is approximately 300ft higher over London on its landing approach.

3. New flight paths.  Modern aircraft navigation technology means airspace can be redesigned to avoid high population areas.

4. New noise respite.  In contrast to the previous proposals for a third runway, Heathrow’s new proposals maintain the principle of runway alternation.

5. New noise insulation schemes.

Heathrow points out that far more people are affected by road traffic noise than by aircraft noise in London. www.heathrowairport.com

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