The UK's only dedicated business aviation hub - TAG Farnborough airport - has banned all jet aircraft which do not meet ICAO Chapter 4 noise standards.
The abatement measure - introduced on 1 January - was agreed by TAG Farnborough in 2011 in exchange for a phased increase in the number of permitted aircraft movements at the airport, from 28,000 to 50,000 a year through to 2019.
It is hoped this action will help placate the small, yet outspoken minority of local residents who have opposed any upward adjustment in the movement ceiling.
"Chapter 4 is ICAO's most stringent and quietest classification for jet aircraft," says TAG. "By enforcing the highest existing standard, we have taken an industry-leading approach to phasing out all but the most modern and quietest categories of jet aircraft.
"As outlined in our 2009 master plan, we are committed to minimising noise in and around the airport and will continue to work with our neighbours and experts to identify ways of making further improvements."
To ensure Chapter 4 compliance, TAG Farnborough says it will "require approved noise certificates before permission can be granted to land or take-off". It adds that about 300 flights that occurred in 2012 would not meet the new standard.
Source: Flight International
