Noise - operating procedures

For take-off

In the late 1990's we carried out a ground-breaking series of trials to identify the quietest noise procedures for all of our Boeing 747 departures.

For this we flew three different take-off procedures from Heathrow airport. With the help of BAA, we monitored the noise at four different points.

The results of these trials were reported publicly to the Heathrow airport Consultative Committee and elsewhere and led to a change in the departure procedures used by our aircraft.

For landing

We've led the airline industry in promoting best practice for minimising noise including 'Continuous Descent Approaches' for landing. This means that aircraft come in to land at a steadier rate, rather than making a series of step descents, as has been the method used in the past.

Coming in to land at the steadier rate uses less fuel and is also quieter. We're currently achieving Continuous Descent Approach levels of 95% and above at Heathrow and Gatwick.

Continuous Descent Approach

Promoting good practice

The Continuous Descent Approach procedure forms the core procedure of "An Industry Code of Practice", which is now in its second edition (November 2006). British Airways was part of the original group that drew up this 'code'.

Following the success of the arrivals code we are now looking at a similar code of practice for departing aircraft. This work is being done in connection with the Sustainable Aviation's Noise Abatement Working Group.

For more information on the continuous descent approach, see 'For landing' link above.

Avoiding night-time movements

We have a firm focus on improving the punctuality of our departing flights which helps to prevent take-offs at night. Due to airport infrastructure issues, however, this is sometimes unavoidable.

We have also had a voluntary target not to land before 04:30 in the morning at our London airports for some time, and constantly monitor this to ensure the target is met.