REDUCING NOISE
#ENVIRONNEMENT #INNOVATION #SUSTAINABILITY
-40% reduction in noise footprint compared to the 2000s
One of the Air France-KLM Group’s major priorities is to accommodate
its customers’ increased demand for mobility while maintaining
the noise produced by the operation of its aircraft at
an acceptable level for populations living near airports.
This represents a major challenge for our airlines and explains why the Group has formalized its commitment to noise mitigation by making it a requirement enshrined in the Air France-KLM Principles (2020 revision to the social and ethical charter to include our policy in favor of human rights).
In 2022, 75% of the Group’s fleet respects the criteria for the ICAO’s Chapter 4 or 14 certification, the most exacting standards for jet aircraft noise levels in the market to date.
Reducing noise at source
Fleet modernization and improving operational procedures are the two pillars of our noise abatement strategy.
This is why, within the framework of its current fleet renewal program, Air France-KLM has opted for aircraft enabling a significant reduction in its noise footprint:
reduction in the noise footprint with A320neo
reduction in he noise footprint with A220
reduction in the noise footprint with A350
reduction in the noise footprint with Embraer 195 E2
Specific solutions are also sought to reduce the noise emissions from aircraft. Whenever possible, Air France-KLM implements continuous descent or NADP (Noise Abatement Departure Procedure) procedures which significantly reduce noise pollution. The SESAR program also aims to improve the management of noise and its impact through precision-landing procedures using satellite navigation and optimized flight paths, including optimized climb and descent operations.
Dialogue and the sharing of sustainable solutions
Air France and KLM invest in a permanent dialogue with all stakeholders in all territories. They meet with the representatives of local communities, the airport authorities and air traffic control to identify measures enabling a reduction in noise hindrance potentially affecting the inhabitants of areas located near airports.
In the Netherlands, KLM participates in the Het Regioforum which addresses issues surrounding noise with the local community. In France, this dialogue is mainly conducted within the context of the CCEs (Environmental Consultative Commissions) and CCARs (Advisory Residents’ Assistance Commissions) in which Air France participates at all the French airports where it has operations.
In 2022, the Air France Group’s contribution to the Airport Noise Tax (TNSA) paid to the French State amounted to 16.3 million euros . Its proceeds are allocated to help with the financing of sound-proofing for homes located around the main airports. Since the TSNA was put in place, around 770 million in 2022 euros has been allocated to the sound-proofing of housing, to which the Air France Group has made a substantial contribution.
Around Schiphol Airport, all the measures to reduce the noise footprint have been implemented. Over the past two decades, KLM has contributed most of the total €750 million in noise taxes, devoted to the sound-proofing and compensation for loss of value in property around Schiphol Airport.
In 2022, KLM also took part in the Minder Hinder (less hindrance) program with Schiphol and Air Traffic Control The Netherlands to reduce noise hindrance and improve the quality of the local environment. KLM is committed to this hindrance program and has undertaken to contribute to the government and Schiphol’s local emission reduction plans covering ultrafine particles and nitrogen.
✔Around €770 million has been allocated to the sound-proofing of housing, to which the Air France Group has made a substantial contribution.
✔€750 million in noise taxes, devoted to the sound-proofing and compensation for loss of value property around Schiphol Airport.