Engaging Communities in the Hard Quest for Consensus

Mistrust, negative attitudes and the expectation of not having any voice against airport authorities can considerably impact on the perception of aircraft noise exposure, lead to increased annoyance and can even influence sleep quality of the noise affected residents. As a result, quality of life can reasonably be assumed to be reduced. This chapter focuses on measures to engage airport communities in aviation-related decision making by improving the information and communication of airports in order to enhance residents’ ‘competence’ and also trust in the airport noise authorities. The role of non-acoustical factors, including aviation-related media coverage in this process, is discussed and results from a media coverage analysis conducted in the ANIMA project are presented. Based on research on perceived fairness in communication, recommendations are given as to how to communicate and engage residents with the aim of building a neighbourly relationship between airport authorities and residents on an even footing and, thus, enable an improved exchange leading to deeper understanding and comprehension by both parties. Results from the ANIMA review on airport management strategies (including communication and engagement aspects) of several European airports are presented and conclusions are drawn about what characterises good (or bad) communication and community engagement strategies for the purpose of a neighbourly relationship between the airport and its residents