The airport has invested significantly in ANOMS 8™ (Airport Noise and Operations Monitoring System)to upgrade its noise and flight track management capability . It is the first airport in Europe to have the system, and one of the first in the world. Designed by Lochard, the market leader in airport noise and operations management systems, the new system provides the latest technology to trace airlines that cause noise violations, fly off-track arrivals and departures, take early turns and low approaches. It also provides detailed maps and sound recordings and has an advanced database to help the Airport’s Environment Team respond to complaints.

Additionally, the Airport has launched ‘Operation Pathfinder’ – a scheme to award airlines for good track-keeping. BIA will use ANOMS 8™ to work with the worst offenders to improve operations. Using data provided by ANOMS 8™, the Airport will be able to develop a monthly performance table for good and bad track-keeping. Working with its airlines, BIA aims to achieve 95% or more aircraft ‘on-track’ every month. Since trialling the new system, BIA has been able to see that in April 97.2% of all commercial traffic was on track, whereas in February 96.8% were compliant.

Richard Heard, the Airport’s Managing Director, added, “Since we began monitoring aircraft noise and flight paths at Birmingham back in 1993 using the first ANOMS package, we have been able to offer an essential service to the local community by effectively investigating residents’ concerns and complaints, and monitoring the policies and procedures in place to limit the impact of aircraft activity on our neighbours. The new ANOMS 8™ system is a more powerful tool that will enable us to deliver a much better service to local people, helping to improve communication and enhance awareness.”

Phil Stollery, Lochard’s Vice President in Europe, said, “We are delighted to be part of Birmingham Airport’s launch. Birmingham is one of the first airports in the world to take advantage of the capabilities of the new ANOMS 8™ system which will enable it to work collaboratively with airlines, the community and other stakeholders to manage the noise impact of its operations. A key objective of the system is to enable the airport to manage its noise abatement program more effectively and we are pleased that the airport has already been able to see the benefits in this respect. We are working closely with BIA to help them take full advantage of the capabilities of ANOMS 8.  Other airports in Europe are looking closely at what Birmingham is doing with the system with a view to adopting ANOMS 8™ ”.

Six fixed noise monitors are located in areas surrounding the Airport. Radar data accurately locates the flight path of aircraft and, in turn, noise levels are correlated with the flight. As part of the upgrade all of the existing fixed noise monitors have been replaced with new equipment. A new portable terminal also enables the Airport to monitor noise at specific locations in the community.

To increase their understanding of the Airport’s noise monitoring programme the Airport offers opportunities for individuals or groups from the local community to visit the airport and view the system in action.  Additionally, the Airport is able to go out in to the community with the new ANOMS 8™ system installed on a laptop, using data from the live system, making it possible for BIA to discuss noise and flight track management issues with a much wider audience.