The FINANCIAL — Stansted Airport has on August 1 launched a public consultation on an innovative new take-off procedure that will reduce the effects of aircraft noise for over 4,000 people living near the airport.
Performance Based Navigation uses modern Global Positioning System (GPS) technology that enables aircraft to fly flight paths more accurately when taking off from the airport, according to Stansted Airport.
Results from a trial on two of the airport’s existing departure routes (Clacton 22 and Detling 04 routes) show that 85% fewer people are directly overflown by aircraft using the new procedure.
The airport has been working on the initiative with its consultative committee (STACC), easyJet and NATS (air traffic provider) for over two years. It is now seeking views from the local community to help shape its final proposal before submitting to the Civil Aviation Authority for approval.
Andrew Harrison, Stansted Airport’s Managing Director, said:
“I would like to especially thank all those in the community who helped us shape this project, particularly members of our independent monitoring body, the Stansted Airport Consultative Committee and its environmental sub-group. It is by working together that we can achieve the best results, and we all look forward to hearing the feedback from the community about this innovative project which demonstrates significant and positive improvements for local residents around the airport.”
Keith Artus, Chairman of the Environmental Issues Group (EIG) of the STACC, said
“The EIG works in tandem with the airport on all environmental matters, which includes working on initiatives to improve the effects of aircraft noise on the communities that surround the airport. We feel the noise and environmental benefits from this project are considerable and urge our local communities to look at the achievements and facts provided in the consultation materials and make their responses accordingly.”
