A multi-objective optimization strategy for designing aircraft noise abatement procedures. Case study at Girona airport

The optimization of aircraft noise abatement procedures involves several conflicting factors, including location specific noise sensitivity and aircraft operating costs. This paper presents a multi-objective optimization strategy that employs goal, lexicographic-egalitarian and hierarchical optimization techniques. The presented methodology aims at better assessing the design of site-specific noise abatement procedures that take into account the actual populated areas, their type and distribution, the hour of the day where the trajectory is supposed to be flown and the aircraft type. An illustrative example is given with the design of the East departures at Girona airport, Catalonia. Results point out how the noise annoyance impact of current operational procedures can be significantly reduced by the optimized trajectories and show, as well, an important dependency on the type of aircraft and the hour of the day.

Research highlights► A multi-objective optimization strategy is used to design aircraft departure procedures. ► Site-specific procedures are developed to optimize the noise annoyance and operating costs of aircraft paths. ► A correlation is found between the optimal trajectories and the type of aircraft and the time of day. ► A real scenario is evaluated showing important reductions in noise annoyance impact.