The reduction of noise around airports is an ongoing challenge. Noise generated from aircraft operations in and around airports depends on a number of factors including the type of aircraft operating at a given airport, the number of daily take-offs and landings, general operating conditions, daily weather conditions, the time of day of aircraft operations, runway orientation and specific use, surrounding topography, and airport-specific flying procedures.

The ability to improve noise conditions around airports requires the collaboration of many stakeholders including airport authorities, NAVCANADA, Transport Canada, representatives from local communities, airframe and engine manufacturers, and airlines. Air Canada is an active participant at local airport aeronautical noise committees across Canada.

Air Canada actively supports the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Balanced Approach to noise management. This methodology provides a transparent process for identifying a specific noise problem at an airport, then evaluates which of the following measures taken to reduce the noise will produce the most efficient and cost-effective results with the maximum environmental benefit:

1. Introducing quieter aircraft that employ technological advances to reduce noise
2. Adhering to noise abatement procedures during take-off, approach and landing—including the preferred usage of runways and routes least likely to be heard by people in neighboring communities
3. Planning and managing airport development and expansion to minimize the segment of the population affected by noise from airports
4. Restricting or limiting aircraft access to an airport—in the event that other solutions have been evaluated and deemed ineffective

Air Canada’s fleet renewal plan embraces noise-reducing new technologies, and we are continuously bringing quieter aircraft, such as the Boeing 777 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner, into our fleet. Aircraft built today are about 75% quieter than aircraft built 40 years ago.