Stansted Airport says it can reduce aircraft noise for thousands of residents by using technology to allow planes to make a more accurate take off.
A public consultation on a new take-off procedure, designed to reduce the effects of aircraft noise for over 4,000 people living near the airport, was launched on Tuesday.
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.
Results from a trial on two of the airport’s existing departure routes, known as Clacton 22 and Detling 04, show that 85 per cent fewer properties are directly flown over by aircraft.
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.”
The airport has been working on the initiative for over two years and is now seeking views from the community to help shape the final proposal before submitting it to the Civil Aviation Authority for approval.
Brian Ross of the Stop Stansted Expansion pressure group, said: “We have been working closely with Stansted Airport on this project and, although it is still early days, we are optimistic that it has the potential to reduce the impact of aircraft noise on many communities around the airport. We are therefore broadly supportive.
"We would encourage local residents to read the consultation documents and make their views known.”
Keith Artus, chairman of the Environmental Issues Group (EIG) of 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.”
The consultation runs for 12 weeks until November 27 and people can find out more and take part by visiting www.stanstedairport.com/consultation.
Source: EssexChronicle