Reducing the Noise Levels of Aircrafts

The European Union has launched a significant initiative to transform the aviation industry. The Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking, established in 2014, is the largest research program for aviation ever launched in Europe, with a primary goal to reduce CO and NOx emissions, as well as noise levels from aircraft.

One of the key projects under the Clean Sky 2 umbrella is GALAAD, a three-year research program aimed at developing an innovative solution for dynamically allocating required navigation performance routes. GALAAD targets predictability and capacity improvement, while addressing local environmental challenges, such as noise reduction.

Airbus, a leading player in the aviation industry, is the project leader for GALAAD. The company is also contributing to innovative engine and airframe technologies within the Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking.

Another significant project within the Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking is the goal for noise emissions reduction. The aim is to achieve a reduction of 20%-30% between 2014 and 2024.

Meanwhile, the SESAR (Single European Sky ATM Research) program is leveraging the latest digital technologies to handle future air traffic growth. SESAR aims to modernize Europe's aviation infrastructure and mitigate environmental impact while safely and efficiently handling air traffic.

The SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking, a continuation of the original SESAR program, is co-funded by the European Union. It consists of multiple programs, including the digital sky demonstrator HERON, granted in 2022. HERON is testing measures to reduce noise levels, flight delays, fuel consumption, and CO emissions during all flight phases.

The SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking contributes to the roadmap for the Digital European Sky, a vision for a seamless, digital air traffic management system across Europe. This system will improve the efficiency and sustainability of European air traffic, aligning with the goals of the Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking.

Both the Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking and SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking are partnerships between the private and public sectors, with Airbus playing a prominent role in the SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking program HERON.

In summary, the European Union is driving the aviation industry towards a more sustainable future through initiatives like the Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking and SESAR. These programs aim to reduce emissions, improve efficiency, and mitigate noise levels, paving the way for a greener and more efficient European air traffic system.