A new form of quieter aircraft has started carrying out journeys to Heathrow Airport.

British Airways' first Airbus A380, which is the largest passenger aircraft in the world and produces 50 per cent less noise than similar planes, arrived at the transport hub at 10:30 BST on July 4th. 

This represents an important step in Heathrow's attempts to reduce the level of noise pollution suffered by people living near the airport.

Matt Gorman, the site's sustainability director, commented: "We are delighted to welcome British Airways’ first Airbus A380."

He claimed that along with "innovative operational procedures and tough operational restrictions" this means noise levels at the airport are now at their lowest since the 1970s, despite the number of flights having increased by nearly 50 per cent.

Earlier this year, Heathrow published a report that outlined its commitment to making the facility quieter while retaining its position as a major transport hub.