Airbus A380 wins prestigious UK award
There will be 10 daily A380 flights to Heathrow by the end of the year, which has the strictest noise regulations of any airport worldwide and is the benchmark on which noise measurement for aircraft is based.
At a special event held at the House of Commons in London, the Society presented Airbus with the John Connell Silent Approach Award for the A380 and its innovations in quiet technology.
Above: Noise Abatement Society award recognises Airbus A380 for reduced noise - (left to right) Christopher Hanson-Abbott, Chairman, Brigade Electronics; John Roberts – Airbus in the UK A380 Chief Engineer; Katherine Bennett – Vice President Political Affairs; Sir Bob Russell MP, Member of Parliament for Colchester.
Presented by Sir Bob Russell MP, the award recognises local authorities, industry, organisations and individuals judged to have been outstanding in their efforts to reduce the impact of noise nuisance or seeking to pioneer practical and innovative solutions to noise pollution and the enhancement and management of the soundscape.
Lisa Lavia, Managing Director of the Noise Abatement Society said: “The NAS was immensely impressed with the reduced external noise emissions of the A380 compared to typical equivalent aircraft and with its quiet and peaceful interior acoustics. This proves that with commitment and engineering excellence noise pollution need not be the inevitable by-product of progress. And that traditionally noisy operations and equipment can be made quieter for the benefit of all.”
John Roberts, Airbus in the UK A380 Chief Engineer said: "We are immensely proud to have received this award which recognises the tremendous work done by Airbus and our key stakeholders. The reduction in the environmental impacts of our aircraft is the result of constant investment and commitment over many years. Our industry is committed to greener aviation and in the last 50 years the aviation industry has cut noise by 75%.
He added: “The A380 has been in service with airlines for over five years and is the quietest long-haul aircraft for the foreseeable future - generating only half the noise on departure of some other large long haul aircraft and up to four times less noise on landing whilst carrying 40% more passengers. The A380 is also recognized as having made a step change in passenger comfort by the huge reduction of noise levels within the cabin, making long haul flying a more enjoyable experience."
