CANSO and ACI launch joint initiative to reduce aviation noise

A new joint initiative has been launched by Airports Council International (ACI) and the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO) on reducing aviation noise.

ACI and CANSO have collaborated to produce a new guide entitled ‘Managing the Impacts of Aviation Noise’ demonstrating best practices for reducing aviation noise for communities near airports. The initiative is to be rolled out to airports and air traffic management organisations across the globe.

Jeff Poole, Director General, CANSO, said: “The aviation industry has achieved substantial and measurable reductions in noise over the last 50 years through a mixture of airframe and engine technology and operational efforts. But the problem still exists and we must make every effort to mitigate the impact of aviation noise for people on the ground, especially those living around airports. This excellent publication provides airport operators, air navigation service providers (ANSP) and other aviation stakeholders with the tools to take further action on this vital issue for our industry. Key to our success in reducing noise is partnership and joint action among airports, airlines and air traffic management, engaging with local communities, to deliver measurable results. We are now rolling this initiative out to CANSO Members through the aid of regional expert champions and through workshops at CANSO regional conferences, as well as other global and regional events.”

“We must make every effort to mitigate the impact of aviation noise for people on the ground”

The publication examines the challenge of aviation noise and describes methods that airport operators and ANSPs can use to manage and reduce its impact. It reviews four current approaches for managing noise: reducing noise at the source; land use planning; noise-reducing operational procedures; and operating restrictions. Operational procedures include techniques such as tailored arrivals, continuous descent operations, arrival or departure path alternation and managing thrust. The noise mitigation measures described in the guide can be collaboratively implemented by ANSPs, airports and aircraft operators.

Angela Gittens, Director General ACI, said: “The aviation industry needs to address the concerns of local communities about aviation noise to maintain the support of governments and the general public and to maintain our licence to operate. The industry must do more – work collaboratively and pool its collective ingenuity and innovative capabilities – to develop solutions that address the noise challenge. This publication provides a template for action on noise.”

The guide recommends improved community interaction including effective communication, transparency and education. In addition eleven case studies have been highlighted which deal with airport noise issues alongside solutions and examples of stakeholder collaboration.

The joint AIC and CANSO guide Managing the Impacts of Aviation Noise can be downloaded here.