Vancouver Airport Authority / L'Administration de l’aéroport de Vancouver today officially opened Canada’s first Ground Run-up Enclosure (GRE), a massive three-sided steel facility that will reduce noise from engine run-ups conducted as part of regular aircraft maintenance.
The $12-million facility, which stands as tall as a five-storey building and is located adjacent to YVR’s South Terminal, will cut engine run-up noise heard in nearby residential neighbourhoods by up to half. The 67- by 80-metre enclosure will provide time and fuel efficiencies to air carriers operating out of Airport South by reducing taxiing distances and time. It will also offer environmental benefits with a glycol recovery system for de-icing of propeller aircraft during winter operations.
“We’re proud to open Canada’s first GRE; it’s a project that demonstrates our commitment to serving our community, our business partners and the environment,” said Anne Murray, Vice President, Community and Environmental Affairs, Vancouver Airport Authority / L'Administration de l’aéroport de Vancouver. “We’re very aware that our 24-hour operations are key to YVR remaining a major employer and economic generator for the region; and we also recognize that we need to be a good neighbour. This noise-reduction project is part of that commitment.
The GRE effectively re-directs noise up rather than out, while also absorbing it with specialized panels perforated by several louvered vents for aerodynamic purposes. It is the first structure of its kind at a Canadian commercial airport, and is an integral component in YVR’s Noise Management Plan.
“We are extremely pleased to see this project come to fruition as it will offer significant benefits to people living near the airport,” said Margot Spronk, with YVR’s Aeronautical Noise Management Committee. “Given YVR’s unique geographic location, it’s encouraging to see Vancouver Airport Authority / L'Administration de l’aéroport de Vancouver take an innovative and proactive approach to noise management by reducing community impacts.”
YVR’s Noise Management Program focuses on initiatives that address aircraft noise in the community, including published noise abatement procedures, community noise information seminars, an airport noise monitoring and flight tracking system and a complaint management and response system.
Transport Canada mandates engine run-ups as part of stringent maintenance and safety standards that require operators to test engines and their components before an aircraft is put back into service after maintenance.
For further information:
YVR Media Relations
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