Noise mapping for the minimal noise aircraft fleet

Project Team

Principal Investigator:

Dr. John Kennedy

Graduate Student:

Dr. Karina Einicke

Overview

With the advent of the Environmental Noise Directive (END) population level modelling of exposure to aircraft noise has increased within Europe. Present noise exposure legislation focuses on airports whereas the greatest potential to implement noise reduction technologies lies with the airlines and aircraft manufacturers. This work focused on the modelling the noise emission Dublin airport on a timeline to 2050. The noise reduction achieved at a fleet level is evaluated and the impact of changing fleet makeup assessed. Noise contours generated with SoundPLAN show the noise effects of the different aircraft types of the historic, current and future fleet under realistic operating conditions. The generated noise contours provide an evidence base for decision making within the airline for investments aiming to reduce noise levels around airports.

Research Publications:

1. Einicke K, LeGriffon I, Kennedy J. Airport noise forecasting to 2050: Integrating the Blended Wing Body concept. Applied Acoustics. 2025 Nov 5;239:110815.
2. Einicke K, Kennedy J. Benefits of monthly noise mapping compared to annual assessments-an analysis of Dublin Airport. Applied Acoustics. 2025 May 14;235:110650.
3. Einicke K, Kennedy J. Predicting airport noise impact to 2040: Traffic growth and technology uptake. Applied Acoustics. 2025 Jan 5;227:110229.

Funding Agency

Ryanair Sustainable Aviation Research Centre