Aircraft Noise Class

In Switzerland the ICAO has grouped different types of jet aircraft into classes based upun their noise. These classes were last defined in April 2000, and may be consulted HERE on the Swiss administration Web site.

The classification ranges from I to V (Greek numerals), with group I being that of the noisiest aircraft. Aircraft in the noisier categories may be excluded from using Geneva airport (except for when derogations are allowed for reasons of state or medical emergencies. Some noisier aircraft may not be allowed to schedule movements after 22h . There are also landing noise surcharges, based on both noise and engine emissions, plus extra surcharges based upon late departures (after 22h).

These noise classes are supposed to be under review, especially as regards the class V, since noise standards have evolved significantly over the past 10 years.