Balance 2015 ENG - Active noise protection

Active noise protection Comprehensive commitment produces audible successes The airlines of the Lufthansa Group set milestones worldwide for responsible mobility – also when it comes to active noise protection. They are active in many ways to continuously reduce the inevitable noise emissions in the vicinity of airports. The Lufthansa Group’s activities span the entire scope from investments in the most modern aircraft to retrofitting of the existing fleet with noise-reducing technologies to noise research. In addition, there is the development of new flight procedures for approach and departure in cooperation with system partners as well as a constructive dialogue with people living near airports and other interest groups (see page 8, Balance 2014, More quietly into the future). The largest fleet modernization program in the history of the Lufthansa Group (see page 28) contributes significantly to low- ering noise emissions and lessening the burden on people living near airports. 602 of 605 aircraft in the Lufthansa Group’s active fleet fulfill the stringent requirements of the Chapter 4 noise limits of the Interna- tional Civil Aviation Organization, which have been in force since 2006 for new aircraft (see page 114). The noise footprint of a Boeing 747-8 on takeoff is, despite its 10% higher maximum takeoff weight, about 30% smaller than that of the Boeing 747-400. The Boeing 777-9X ordered by Lufthansa will have a noise footprint that is about 40% smaller than that of the Boeing 747-400, according to the manufacturer’s specifications. The chart shows the 85 dB maximum level contours for a takeoff according to standard Lufthansa takeoff procedures (modATA) and with the takeoff weights as shown. Vortex generators: Retrofit for the A320 fleet At the beginning of February 2014, Lufthansa became the first airline worldwide to start operations with a new Airbus A320 equip- ped with so-called vortex generators. Since then, all newly delivered aircraft have been equipped with this part, which reduces noise by up to 5 decibels during the approach phase between ten and 17 kilo- meters before touchdown. At greater dis- tances from an airport the effect is even more pronounced, according to Airbus. Aircraft in the Airbus A320 family have two fuel-tank pressure equalization vents on the underside of each wing. In flight, the air flow passing over these cavities generates unpleasant whistling sounds, similar to blowing across the opening of a glass bottle. Vortex generators installed in front of Boeing 747-8 442t 2012 Boeing 747-400 395t 1989 MTOW First flight Noise contours compared (B 747-400 vs. B 747-8 and B 777-9X) For each of the contours shown, the intensity of sound at takeoff is 85 decibels. –40% –30% Point of brake- release 2km 4km 6km 8km 10km Boeing 777-9X 351t ~2020 54 // Climate and Environmental Responsibility

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