More aircraft are now using a landing approach at the Portland Jetport designed to cut down on noise over South Portland.

The newly approved procedure allows more aircraft to remain over the water for longer as they approach the airport from the east.

It allows for wider uses of GPS technology to open up the path over water at night and when visibility is low.

The new change is meant to address long held complaints of booming aircraft noise by South Portland residents.

Airport Director Paul Bradbury says the new procedure was strongly supported by the Jetport Noise Advisory Committee and the Portland City Council, which voted unanimously in approve $75,000 of Jetport funds to develop the procedure.

“I would like to thank the volunteers on the Jetport Noise Advisory Committee and community members who for over 20 years have desired this type of approach and have worked proactively as aircraft and GPS technology has improved over those 20 years to ultimately develop a published public approach that keeps more traffic over the water,” said Bradbury.

It’s been a six-year process initiated by the Airport Noise Advisory Committee to reduce aircraft approaches over populated areas in South Portland, according to a release from Portland International Jetport.