Emirates has received Gold Tier recognition in New York JFK Airport’s 2024 Fly Quiet Programme, becoming the only airline to achieve this level. The carrier scored 92.9, surpassing other airlines operating at the airport.
The Fly Quiet Programme, developed by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, operates on a voluntary basis and encourages airlines to reduce noise through quieter aircraft, noise abatement procedures and runway selection.
The recognition reflects Emirates‘ approach to noise reduction at JFK. Since the programme began, Emirates has worked with the Port Authority, with the Flight Operations team working to exceed programme requirements.
The achievement at JFK follows other recognitions, including Silver Tier status at Newark (EWR) and the Chairperson’s Award at San Francisco’s (SFO) Fly Quiet programmes.
Emirates scores 92.9 in New York JFK Fly Quiet Programme Gold Tier award
Emirates’ fleet noise levels show a margin better than 12 EPNdB over ICAO Chapter 4 requirements. The airline operates wide-body aircraft and achieves 1.75 million passenger-kilometres per sector, which involves one arrival and one departure noise event.
The carrier’s operations use fuller aircraft flying non-stop over longer distances while managing noise output, the airline said in a statement.
A single Emirates Airbus A380 can serve 500 passengers on a route with one arrival and one departure noise event. The same route using smaller aircraft may require up to three flights in each direction plus a tech-stop, generating six arrival and six departure noise events for the same operation.
The airline’s network and wide-body fleet operations form how Emirates manages noise output while maintaining connectivity for communities.
Air connectivity links families and friends across continents, generates activity in communities, creates employment, and facilitates trade and tourism.
Emirates noise reduction strategy at JFK and beyond
Aircraft noise abatement protects the health and quality of life of communities near airports. Emirates’ approach to reducing noise impact reflects support for communities in destinations served, recognising that decisions in flight operations can lead to noise reduction on the ground.
The airline’s noise reduction strategy includes:
Compliance to noise abatement and curfews: Emirates’ noise management strategy requires adherence to Noise Abatement Departure Procedures (NADP). These procedures, published by state authorities, are integrated into standard operating procedures (SOPs) and followed by flight crews. The airline maintains alignment with airport curfews and restrictions at each destination.
Prioritising noise preferential runways: Emirates uses Noise Preferential Runways when operationally possible, including in conditions such as tailwinds, provided safety standards are maintained.
Transparent monitoring and accountability: Any deviation from noise procedures requires crew reports, which undergo review to identify causes and implement improvements. This feedback loop supports the airline’s commitment to improvement and operations.
A quieter fleet: Emirates operates a widebody fleet achieving EPNdB margins meeting or better than ICAO Chapter 4 and Chapter 14 standards. Fleet modernisation investments ensure noise performance continues to improve.
Collaborative engagement with stakeholders: Emirates’ approach to noise management includes partnerships. The airline participates in airport authority roundtables and focus groups and complies with regulatory documentation and reporting requirements, building transparency with regulators and communities.
