Consultation and communications

Review of Heathrow’s Noise Mitigation Schemes

Between 9 May - 1 August 2011, Heathrow ran a public consultation on the review of its noise mitigation schemes. The consultation is now closed. Thank you to everyone that took part in this and provided feedback. This feedback will now be used inform the final design of the schemes.

Background

Heathrow's wide sphere of influence means that many diverse voices are involved in discussions about the airport's operations.

As well as offering charitable support and grants and doing our best to mitigate the negative impacts of Heathrow through our community noise schemes, it is important that we listen to and understand the views of our stakeholders, and communicate our plans and performance in managing the airport effectively.

We meet regularly with representatives from local communities, councils, residents and interest groups to discuss a variety of airport issues and to communicate our performance in managing our airport and its impacts on the economy, local communities and the environment.

Our strategy

We manage Heathrow's community relations through the following objectives:

1. Engage and consult local stakeholders on Heathrow's performance and plans

Key initiatives

1. Heathrow Airport's Consultative Committee (HACC): An independent committee made up of local councils, environmental groups, the aviation industry, business groups and passengers. The committee meet six times a year to discuss airport operations and specific topics
   
2. The Noise and Track Keeping (NTK) Working Group: A working group which brings together the Department for Transport, the Civil Aviation Authority, NATS, local authorities, other interest groups, airlines and Heathrow's owners, Heathrow Airport Ltd, to discuss a wide range of noise and track keeping issues. NTK also monitors track keeping performance, night engine testing and noise complaints.
3. The Local Focus Forum: The Forum meets six times a year and provides an opportunity for local resident associations and ward councillors to discuss issues relating to Heathrow with our senior managers.

We also meet regularly with political representatives and key stakeholders from the local boroughs around Heathrow

2. Provide open and transparent communications on Heathrow's plans and performance

2010 key actions

1. Publish a report outlining Heathrow's sustainability performance during 2010, supported by a series of sustainability briefings focusing on Heathrow's approach to managing its impact on; employment, training and skills, the economy and waste.