Heathrow tackles aircraft noise impact

The plan includes phasing out the oldest and noisiest Chapter 3 aircraft serving the airport, which accounts for around 1% of all aircraft using Heathrow. The airlines that use these aircraft already pay ten times more than the quietest aircraft but charges may be further increased. Other actions include campaigns to encourage better use of aircraft technology and operational procedures, with four of the ten steps Heathrow is taking involving aircraft approach to the airport. Over 85% of daytime and over 90% of night-time arrivals use a continuous descent approach (CDA) which, Heathrow suggest, is noisier than coming down in steps. The airport is also looking at the potential for aircraft to make steeper angles of descent which would mean the aircraft spending less time at low altitudes. It will work with airlines this September to trial steeper descents as it is believed they will be quieter, with a long-term aim of incorporating the steeper angles into proposals for redesigning Heathrow airspace. There are also plans to consult with airlines about what might be safely done to delay landing gear deployment, which is a noisy process, as there are currently no rules about when landing gear should be lowered and there is a lack of consistency between airlines operating the same aircraft type.

In summer 2015, following the country's general election, the Airports Commission is due to present its findings and recommendations to the incoming government on runway expansion around London, and the impact of noise on local communities has already proved a major factor in the process. Heathrow's Director of Sustainability is determined that tackling noise is important for his airport regardless of its proposed expansion plans. He insists Heathrow will take responsibility for confronting noise issues, make clear commitments to local communities who are affected and stick to them.