What are the most effective noise reduction technologies for airports?

1 Aircraft design

One of the main sources of airport noise is the aircraft itself, especially during takeoff and landing. Aircraft manufacturers have been developing quieter engines, airframes, and propellers that reduce the noise generated by the jet blast, the aerodynamic drag, and the fan blades. For example, some modern aircraft use chevron nozzles, which are serrated edges on the engine exhaust that mix the hot and cold air more smoothly and reduce the noise by up to 6 decibels. Another example is the use of winglets, which are vertical extensions on the wingtips that reduce the vortex noise and improve the fuel efficiency.

3 Ground infrastructure

A third option to reduce airport noise is to improve the ground infrastructure and facilities of the airport. This includes using noise barriers, which are walls, fences, or berms that block or deflect the noise from the runway or the apron. It also includes using acoustic insulation, which is a material that absorbs or reflects the noise inside the buildings or the terminals. Furthermore, ground infrastructure can include using electric or hybrid vehicles, equipment, and generators that reduce the noise from the ground operations.

4 Land use planning

A fourth alternative to reduce airport noise is to implement land use planning and zoning policies that regulate the development and use of the land around the airport. This includes creating noise contours, which are maps that show the noise levels and exposure zones around the airport. It also includes creating noise easements, which are agreements that allow the airport to use the land for noise mitigation purposes, such as creating buffer zones or green spaces. Moreover, land use planning can include providing noise compensation, which is a financial or non-financial assistance that helps the affected residents or businesses to cope with the noise impact.

5 Community engagement

A fifth strategy to reduce airport noise is to engage with the local community and stakeholders to inform, consult, and collaborate on noise management issues. This includes creating noise committees, which are forums that bring together the airport, the airlines, the regulators, the local authorities, and the community representatives to discuss and monitor the noise performance and initiatives. It also includes creating noise information systems, which are online platforms that provide real-time or historical data on the noise levels, the flight tracks, and the complaints. Furthermore, community engagement can include creating noise awareness programs, which are educational or promotional activities that raise the awareness and understanding of the noise sources, effects, and solutions.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?