In 2003, a 30-month study jointly undertaken by Boeing and Cargolux at Luxembourg airport was completed. This study was aimed at quantifying the amount of noise produced by B747-400F aircraft and finding methods to substantially reduce noise levels at take-off and landing.

The study found that modifications in operating procedures could bring about up to 37% reductions in perceived community noise. The recommendations include:

At landing:
• a quieter approach through a continuous descent profile, which offers the benefit that the aircraft overflies surrounding areas at a higher level than the current profile
• New flap settings for approach in order to reduce aerodynamic noise
• A displaced threshold by moving the touch-down point on the runway, which reduces perceived noise as the aircraft land further away from the city and overfly the city at a higher altitude.
• Minimized or no use of thrust reversers after landing

At take-off:
• A reduction in thrust after take-off once a certain altitude is reached, in order to minimize disturbances over surrounding areas