The plane truth has landed
HEATHROW has revealed the latest figures for the loudest and most polluting airlines operating from the hub airport.
Noise at Heathrow Airport is a sensitive topic in west London, where planes regularly fly over peoples’ homes.
Air quality around the airport is also a major concern, not just due to the number of aircraft but also the vast number of vehicles travelling around the airport.
However, for many airlines being greener and quieter is a major priority, helped by the introduction of more efficient craft from both Boeing and Airbus, the two biggest passenger plane manufacturers.
Heathrow’s Fly Quiet and Green table is based on the noise and emissions performance of each airline in the third quarter of the year.
Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) has been named the best airline for the second time this year, after it introduced more modern and fuel-efficient aircraft.
The airline introduced more of its Airbus A320neo planes, which are the most modern and fuel-efficient short-haul aircraft on the market. The A320neos now account for 80% of all of the airline’s movements at Heathrow.
The planes deliver 20% reduced fuel burn, as well as 50% less noise compared to the previous generation’s aircraft.
SAS has also improved track keeping, which means sticking to its designated flight paths, giving those living below more predictable respite, and using quieter approaching techniques when descending into Heathrow.
Oman Air has scaled up the table from 7th place in the last quarter to second place in this quarter, assisted by the introduction of Boeing Dreamliners which also deliver 20% reduced fuel burn, as well as 50% less noise compared to previous generation aircraft.
Lars Andersen Resare, Head of Sustainability at SAS, said: “SAS wants to be at the forefront of the journey towards sustainable aviation, and it is encouraging that we are recognised as the most environmentally friendly airline out of Heathrow Airport.
“SAS is committed to reducing its emissions by 25% in 2030 and continuously developing more sustainable products and services across the business.
“By introducing new Airbus neos to our fleet, we have been able to reduce emissions and noise levels further than ever before.”
Matt Gorman, Heathrow’s director of sustainability, said: “Heathrow is determined to become a world leader in incentivising the next generation of sustainable aircraft that are good for the environment and our local communities.
“We’re working towards this goal by reducing airport charges for airlines, using greener aircraft, publishing operational performance results every quarter and reviewing airport charges to incentivise sustainable fuel uptake.
“We continue to be impressed with airlines – particularly SAS – and their commitment to reducing noise and emissions, but we know more must be done.
“That’s why we will continue to work with our partners and leverage our scale to drive further positive changes in the industry.”
As part of Heathrow’s incentives, airlines are charged less if their planes are quieter and less polluting. Less than 0.1% of movements at Heathrow are operated by aircraft in the highest international category for noise.
Heathrow has also announced that the first electric aircraft to operate a commercially-viable flight at the airport will have a year’s free landing charges, worth up to £1 million.