A380 confirmed quietest long range aircraft in the skies

Airbus has received validation in November 2007 for the external noise values of the A380 powered by Engine Alliance GP7200 engines from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). External noise certification is part of the process for the joint EASA and FAA type certification for the GP7200-powered A380, which is scheduled in December 2007.

The approval of the A380’s very low noise values confirms it is by far the quietest long-range aircraft in the skies. The noise levels certified on the GP7200-powered A380 are equivalent to those already approved on the Rolls Royce Trent 900 powered A380. With an impressive 17 EPNdB (Effective Perceived Noise in Decibels) cumulative margin to the ICAO Chapter 4 noise standard, voluntarily used by Airbus instead of the mandatory Chapter 3 standard, the A380 is easily compliant with today’s most stringent noise standards and is well prepared for the future.

“The GP7200-powered A380 has been performing extremely well throughout the development and certification programme. This excellent result is one of the final milestones before certification in December,” said Mario Heinen, Airbus Executive Vice President, A380 Programme. “The aircraft is consistently meeting and often exceeding its design targets”, he added.

Generating at least 50 per cent less noise than its nearest competitor at take-off and on landing, both A380 models meet the most stringent noise rules at any international airport, namely London’s Heathrow airport - QC2 for departures and QC0.5 for arrivals. This is of major benefit both to A380 operators who have more flexibility to operate night-time flights, and to airports, since passenger capacity will be increased while limiting the impact of noise on the surrounding communities.

The certification programme for the GP7200-powered A380, including noise testing, has been carried out with A380 flight test aircraft MSN009. In May this year, MSN009 confirmed its low noise emissions during a series of certification tests that were performed at the Spanish Air Force base at Morón de la Frontera in southern Spain and jointly witnessed by European and US noise authority specialists.

Being greener, cleaner, quieter and smarter, the A380 is already setting new standards for air transport and the environment. The A380 has unmatched fuel efficiency, consuming less than three litres per passenger per 100 kilometers.

The A380 has the quietest cabin in the sky, offers more comfort in every class and more space for all. The aircraft’s efficiency and advanced technologies result in outstanding economics, superior performance and high operational flexibility. The A380 also provides vital extra passenger capacity without increasing the number of flights. Compared to the former largest commercial aircraft, the A380 seats over 40 percent more passengers in a typical three-class, 525-seat configuration - with seat-mile costs 20 percent lower and range capability over 1,000 nautical miles longer.