MP welcomes successful LLA noise trial

A new initiative by London Luton Airport (LLA) has been welcomed by Stevenage MP Stephen McPartland after a significant reduction in aircraft noise for local residents.

LLA initiated a trial between May and June this year with more than three quarters of aircraft delaying their landing gear deployment, which cuts down drag and reduces noise. The trial came after a number of discussions between the airport and the local MP focusing on noise minimisation measures.

Over the trial period, average noise from aircraft reduced by 2.7dB at six nautical miles and 3.4dB at seven nautical miles from the airport, meaning noise on the ground was reduced by an average of 50%.

As a result, local communities reported a noticeable reduction in noise and have asked the airport to continue running the trial.

Stephen McPartland, Conservative MP for Stevenage said: “I would like to congratulate London Luton Airport on their efforts to reduce the impacts of aircraft noise for those living below the flightpath in Stevenage.

I am extremely encouraged by the work they have put into this trial, but will continue to lobby the airport to ensure they do all they can to minimise the impacts and maximise the benefits of the airport on my constituents”.

LLA has revised its Arrival Code of Practice to include recommendations to delay the deployment of landing gear. Three airline operators have also amended their Standard Operating Practices to include the recommendations.

LLA continues to work with the airlines and aircraft operators who did not take part in the trial to encourage them to delay deployment of landing gear where possible.

Neil Thompson, Operations Director at LLA, said: “The trial is just one part of our commitment to reducing noise and we’re working hard to ensure more of our airline partners adopt this initiative. The 50% noise reduction and positive feedback from local communities has been great to see.

“Noise is an unavoidable part of running an airport, and our aim is to work constructively with local communities and our partners to strike the right balance between minimising the impact of this noise while maximising the benefits of a successful airport to the communities it supports.”