BAA Heathrow have issued a call on the aviation industry to work together to make improvements to the noise climate around Heathrow, at a noise seminar this week.

Organised by airport operator BAA, the event brought together a range of interested parties including anti-noise group HACAN, local authorities, airlines and aircraft manufacturers.

Eryl Smith, BAA Heathrow's Business Strategy Director commented: "We understand that noise is the issue that impacts most on people living around the airport.

"BAA Heathrow accepts that there are many challenges ahead on the subject of noise, but we also understand that improvements can only be made when working alongside others. This event has shown that the industry as a whole is determined to work together to deliver real and sustained improvements in noise, for local people, now and in the future."

BAA Heathrow is directly able to control only ground noise. Examples include the extensive use of Fixed Electrical Ground Power and the progressive introduction of Pre-Conditioned Air, which reduces noise whilst aircraft are parked on the stands, and restricting engine tests. However, BAA Heathrow also works closely with other parts of the industry to influence and facilitate reductions in noise from aircraft in the air.

Airlines are being encouraged to modernise their fleets with newer aircraft through discounts on landing charges for quieter planes, and in addition to the Department for Transport's restrictions on night flights, BAA Heathrow and airlines have a voluntary agreement which further limits types of aircraft used.

Aircraft manufacturers, Boeing and Airbus, who presented at the seminar, illustrated the operational advancements and developments in technology that they will bring online in the coming years. The manufacturers also stressed that the issue of noise was now an integral part of the design process.

John Stewart of HACAN acknowledged that some progress had been made on noise levels generated by individual air traffic movements, but pointed to the increase in the frequency of the disturbance experienced by people through growing numbers of flights. He challenged BAA to work harder for local residents on the availability of useful information on Heathrow's operations.