Heathrow is to slash landing charges for the quietest aircraft as it seeks to show it can tackle noise pollution
Heathrow is to reduce landing charges for the quietest aircraft arriving at the airport as it bids to tackle fears around the noise impact of expansion.
The government is set to make a decision on airport expansion in October, and the airport has now revealed a package of measures to limit the affect of a potential third runway on the local community.
It is hoped the landing charges will encourage airlines to use their newest, and quietest, planes at Heathrow.
It comes alongside a consultation on measures to limit the noise of landings at Heathrow, including requiring airlines to lower landing gear later and approach the airport at a steeper angle.
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The airport will also install 50 new noise monitors in the local area to gather data and provide real-time noise measurements to nearby residents.
In July 2015 the Davies Commission on airport expansion said that while Gatwick was a "credible" option for expansion, it recommended construction of a new runway at Heathrow – pending measures to limit the environmental and noise impact.
Heathrow chief executive John Holland-Kaye said: “The arrival of new, quieter aircraft and the start of our programme to install 50 new noise monitors will help us to accelerate the reduction in the noise impacts of Heathrow.
“Our new plan for a third runway means that we will reduce the number of people affected by noise even with expansion, while increasing the social and economic benefits that Heathrow provides.
“Heathrow expansion is no longer a choice between the environment or the economy. It will deliver for both. That's why the Prime Minister can make the right choice and expand Heathrow."
However, Hammersmith MP Andy Slaughter slammed the offering.
"They should of course be promoting quieter aircraft as well as reducing emissions and changing operations to relieve existing nuisance," he said.
"But the only reason they are talking about this now is to try and mitigate opposition to a third runway. Transparent, cynical and not to be trusted – the same siren voices I’ve been resisting for 30 years."