Britain's biggest airport to introduce noise-ranking system in effort to stem sound pollution
Britain's biggest airport is to rank airlines according to how noisy their aircraft are as part of plans for a quieter Heathrow. It also plans to significantly increase fines for airlines that break noise limits and to trial new plane departure routes with air traffic controllers.
Other plans announced on Thursday include steeper aircraft approaches into the west London airport and the establishment of a noise-insulation scheme for nearby buildings. Heathrow already imposes higher charges for the noisiest aircraft.
Later this year Heathrow will launch the Fly Quiet scheme, which will publicly rank airlines according to their noise performance.
The plans could lead to the extension of the adobe building programme for local schools. The scheme involves the construction of igloo-like shelters, made from bags of earth and plaster, which allow pupils to study outside without being disturbed by aircraft. Heathrow part-funds adobe buildings at Hounslow Heath primary school.
The airport's chief executive, Colin Matthews, said: "Heathrow is at the forefront of international efforts to tackle aircraft noise and, as a result, even though the number of flights has almost doubled since the 1970s, fewer people are affected by noise.
"We will continue to work with airlines, the air-traffic control company Nats, policymakers and local communities to further reduce aircraft noise while safeguarding the vital connectivity and economic growth that Heathrow provides."
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