The Lufthansa Group supports numerous activities and measures in order to decrease aircraft noise perceptibly. The primary goal is to sustainably reduce aircraft noise at its source.
As of 24 October 2020, 99.5% of the Lufthansa Group aircraft fulfilled or exceeded the strict minus- 10-decibel criterium of the ICAO Chapter 4 standard.
In order to further reduce aircraft noise, the continuous modernization of the fleet and the retrofitting of existing aircraft are major levers. In 2014, Lufthansa was the first airline in the world to put the noise-reducing vortex generator into operation on its A320, setting a new industry standard. Aircraft that fly with an integrated vortex generator are up to four decibels quieter on approach. SWISS also began retrofitting its aircraft in 2016, followed by Austrian in 2017 and the Eurowings Group in 2019. In addition, all newly delivered aircraft from the A320 family are equipped with the Vortex generators as standard. Lufthansa and SWISS have now equipped their entire A320 families with the noise-reducing measure. Austrian and Eurowings completed the retrofit in 2021.
A320 audio tests with and without vortex generators on the final approach at Frankfurt Airport from the Offenbach-Lauterborn monitoring point.
A320 audio tests with and without vortex generators on the final approach at Munich Airport from the Massenhausen monitoring point.
Overflight measurements showed that the vortex generators are capable of eliminating two disturbing sounds, thereby reducing the overall noise level of the aircraft in the vicinity of the airport site by up to four decibels. The results are based on research conducted by the Lufthansa Group and DLR.
In addition, the generator also creates an economic benefit as it reduces noise-related charges that airlines have to pay at airports.
The Lufthansa Group is a global aviation group with aroud 240 subsidiaries.
Corporate responsibility, that is to say sustainable and responsible entrepreneurial practice, is an integral part of our corporate strategy. It means that we are committed to creating added value for our customers, employees and investors and to meeting our responsibilities toward the environment and society.
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