DLH_Balance_2016_ENG

To date, the experts at Lufthansa Technik have equipped all Airbus A319, A320 and A321 aircraft at the Frankfurt and Munich hubs with noise-reducing vortex genera- tors. In addition, all newly delivered aircraft of this type from Airbus have featured these components as standard equipment since 2015. At the beginning of 2014, Lufthansa began operations with the world’s rst vortex-generator-equipped A320, thus introducing yet another industry standard. As these parts have become part of the noise reduction programs of numerous airports, interest in vortex generators is growing among other airlines as well. As a result of retro tting and new acquisi- tions, more than 200 aircraft in the Lufthansa Group’s eet will y substantially quieter than before in the future. This will affect every second landing of a Lufthansa aircraft in Frankfurt, as the Airbus A320 eet has a share of about 50 percent of all ights at this hub. will be about 50 percent smaller than that of predecessor models. The most advanced Rolls-Royce Trent WB engines and an aerodynamically optimized design reduce noise emissions to a point far below cur- rently applicable limits. At Swiss, the new CSeries by Bombardier will replace the currently operated Avro RJ100 regional aircraft, starting in 2016. This generational change in the skies means above all a perceptible improve- ment in noise burdens for airports neigh- bors, as the CSeries also sets new stan- dards in noise emissions. And Lufthansa Cargo received its fth Boeing 777F freighter aircraft in February 2015. Compared with other freighters, this aircraft is characterized by the smallest noise footprint in its class. It also meets the most stringent noise standards and thus has maximum access to airports with high noise protection limits. The greatest progress in reducing aircraft noise can be achieved by the operation of modern aircraft. The Lufthansa Group invests continuously in this area. For example, Lufthansa will decommission all Boeing 737s by the end of 2016 and replace them with A320neo aircraft. Thanks to new engine technologies, the A320neo is by far the most ef cient and quietest aircraft on short- and medium-haul routes. The Lufthansa Group has a total of 116 A320neo and A321neo aircraft on order, which will be delivered over the years ahead (see page 29, Fleet development). Of these, 60 aircraft will be equipped with the new PW1100G-JM engines manufac- tured by Pratt & Whitney. The new engines and improved aerodynamics allow a signi - cant reduction of noise and emissions. Accordingly, the 85-decibel noise footprint at takeoff of an A320neo is only half as large as that of a comparable aircraft in the existing eet (see illustration). On long-haul routes, the Airbus A350-900, which will be delivered to Lufthansa from winter 2016, is set to contribute signi cantly to lessening the burden on people living near large hubs. The A350-900 is the most modern and environmentally-friendly long- haul aircraft worldwide; its noise footprint Thanks to new engine technology, the 85-decibel noise footprint of an A320neo at takeoff is only half as large as that of a comparable airplane in the current eet. Sustainability Report Balance // Issue 2016 // Lufthansa Group // 59

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