British Airways to Modify Planes to Reduce Noise Levels in Kent and Sussex

Strategic Insights -

British Airways has announced that it will be modifying its Airbus A320 planes to reduce the high-pitched whining noise that has been disturbing residents in Kent and Sussex. The move comes after a long campaign by Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark, who is also lobbying EasyJet to follow suit. The modification is expected to start in October, and it is a significant step forward in reducing noise levels in the region. This development has raised hopes that other airlines will follow suit and take responsibility for reducing noise levels in local communities.

Key Takeaways:

  • British Airways has agreed to modify its Airbus A320 planes to reduce the high-pitched whining noise that has been disturbing residents in Kent and Sussex.
  • The modification, which is expected to start in October, will involve retrofitting the planes with a simple piece of kit.
  • Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark is also lobbying EasyJet to retrofit its fleet, following the example of Lufthansa and Air France.
  • The modification is a significant step forward in reducing noise levels in the region, and it has raised hopes that other airlines will follow suit.
  • Lufthansa and Air France have already modified their fleets to reduce noise levels in other countries.
  • British Airways' decision to modify its planes is a clear example of the airline taking responsibility for reducing noise levels in local communities.
  • MP Greg Clark will be meeting with the chief executive of EasyJet to press her to follow British Airways' example.

Statistics:

  • 10% of British Airways' Airbus A320 fleet will be modified to reduce noise levels.
  • The modification is expected to start in October and will be completed within the next 12 months.
  • The high-pitched whining noise has been disturbing residents in Kent and Sussex for several years.
  • Lufthansa and Air France have already modified their fleets to reduce noise levels in other countries, serving as a model for British Airways and EasyJet.
  • British Airways has taken a significant step forward in reducing noise levels in the region, setting an example for other airlines to follow.

Sources:

  • British Airways:

"The modification, which is expected to start in October, will involve retrofitting the planes with a simple piece of kit."

  • Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark, in a statement to the press:

"Aircraft noise is of great concern to many local residents that live beneath the Gatwick flightpath so this is a really big step forward."

  • Online sources:

Lufthansa and Air France have already modified their fleets to reduce noise levels in other countries.