Our plans
Alongside the statutory noise objectives, Heathrow Airport Limited has set and recently revised following consultation feedback, the following long term objective for the management of aircraft noise:
To limit and where possible reduce aircraft noise impacts and demonstrate to our stakeholders that we are using best practicable means to achieve this goal.
Previously this was supported by a long-term goal to be in the top fifth of companies for best practice in international airport noise management on comparable sites. In reality this would have meant consistently being in the top 6 or 7 of around 30 airports globally when comparing the key aspects of aircraft noise management (operational procedures, and communication). In assessing the consultation feedback it was clear that the benchmarking process by which this aspiration was assessed was not easily understood nor was the level of ambition considered challenging enough. Consequently we have now set ourselves the aim of being considered by independent consultants as the leading major international airport in noise management using a benchmarking methodology supported by the Noise and Track Keeping Working Group (NTKWG). (see actions 5.1 and 5.2).
Heathrow airport sets noise targets each year and these are published in our corporate responsibility reports together with performance information against key noise indicators.
In our approach to noise management we have set five key themes for our work program over the next five years. These themes establish a framework for the airport’s noise action plan and help inform our priorities. They are:
1 Reducing noise impacts wherever practicable. This includes:
1.1 Quietest fleet practicable;
1.2 Quietest practicable aircraft operations, balanced against NOx and CO2 emissions;
1.3 Effective and credible noise mitigation schemes.
2 Engaging with communities affected by noise impacts to better understand their concerns and priorities, reflecting them as far as possible in airport noise strategies and communication plans;
3 Influencing planning policy to minimise the number of noise sensitive properties around our airports;
4 Organising ourselves to continue to manage noise efficiently and effectively;
5 Continuing to build on our understanding of aircraft noise to further inform our priorities, strategies and targets.
We recognise that following the publication of this noise action plan, it will be important to keep communities and other stakeholders informed as to the progress made. We are committed to reporting publicly on our performance against the action plan and the effectiveness of our actions to address community concerns. We therefore plan to annually report on our progress against the action plan (action 2.12).