Performance against standards

At least 98% of aircraft departures on track on the flight paths where they cannot leave below 4,000 ft  - Not achieved

96.6% of aircraft were on track on these routes during 2007. The figure fell slightly short of our target due to issues with flights using the two Dover flight paths (from each end of the runway - which we refer to as '23' and '05') and our new noise and track keeping (NTK) computer system reporting deviations differently to the previous system.

We know that airlines have different on-board navigation computers and this is why some airlines are having problems flying on the Dover routes. To tackle this, our flight analysis team are working very closely with airlines such as Germanwings, Air Berlin and easyJet, who regularly fly these routes, to understand the problem and help find solutions. Further information on track-keeping

A minimum of 99% of aircraft departures on track on the flight paths where they cannot leave below 3,000 ft – Target achieved (99.4%)

The two routes that operate under these conditions are the most heavily used of all of Stansted's flight paths and we are very pleased to have achieved our target.  This is mainly due to Ryanair and easyJet's use of this route with their modern fleet of aircraft fitted with state of the art navigation technology. We are constantly looking at ways to improve and continuous dialogue with our airline partners has helped achieve this target and look to better it next year.

At least 95% of aircraft departures on track on individual flight paths – Not achieved

Five out of Stansted’s six flight paths achieved at least 95% of departures on track, with three of these over 99%. The Dover route did not achieve this, for the reasons described previously in this section, with performance at 93.2%.

Our flight analysis team are also working very closely with all airlines to improve Continuous Descent Approach (CDA) procedures, which encourages landing aircraft to follow a more gradual descent on their landing route. Further information on CDA

When the aircraft arrive on stand we then encourage the use of the Fixed Electrical Ground Power (FEGP) system. This reduces noise and emissions on the ground from aircraft auxiliary power units (see FEGP in the Air quality section). Further information

Noise communications
During 2007, 2,963 noise complaints were received from 1,605 people and a further 2,411 complaints from seven people. In total, there were 5,374 complaints in 2007 compared to 14,073 complaints in 2006.
The reduction in complaints has coincided with the introduction of our online self-service enquiry system – known as WebTrak - in May 2007.

WebTrak tracks Stansted aircraft flight paths and shows the date, time, aircraft height and type, allowing the public to make their own enquiries about a particular flight. It was launched alongside our dedicated noise website www.stanstedairport.com/noise

Draft noise action plan
We have produced a draft noise action plan for Stansted and identified the key stakeholders and questions for consultation. However, the deadline for consultation will not be met as BAA is awaiting the delayed publication of Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) guidance on action plan content and consultation. We will be able to consult on our action plan when the Government guidance becomes available later in 2008.

The draft document will then be circulated to local and district councils, the Stansted Airport Consultative Committee, the Noise and Track Keeping Working Group and libraries. It will also be published on our noise website.

2007 performance data

Noise enquiries

Noise infringements

Note: Data prior to 2007 is reported in financial years ending 31 March

Track keeping

Note: Data prior to 2007 is reported in financial years ending 31 March

More on... noise

Issues and approach
Our plans