Eight units of the high-frequency bird deterrent system “Bird Sonic” were installed at Narita International Airport on May 19. The system was developed by Japanese automotive parts manufacturer T.M.WORKS, while effectiveness studies are being conducted by Okayama University of Science Specially Appointed Professor Masachika Tsuji of the Organization for Research and Community Collaboration. With the Narita installation, Bird Sonic is now in operation at 10 airports across Japan, including Kansai International Airport, Chubu Centrair International Airport, and Osaka International Airport.
At Narita Airport, the eight Bird Sonic units were installed along the northern side of Runway B to help prevent bird strikes caused by crows, skylarks, black kites, and other birds.
According to Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Narita Airport recorded 200 bird strikes between 2020 and 2024, corresponding to a bird strike rate of 2.33 incidents per 10,000 takeoffs and landings.
Nationwide data for 2024 show that the aircraft nose section experienced the highest number of bird strikes, with 574 incidents, including 15 cases involving damage. This was followed by 356 strikes to wings (19 damage cases) and 330 strikes involving engines or propellers (28 damage cases).
Bird strikes can sometimes lead to serious accidents. The December 2024 crash of a Jeju Air passenger aircraft in South Korea, which claimed 179 lives, has been attributed to a bird strike.
During the installation at Narita Airport, Professor Tsuji joined T.M.WORKS President Hideaki Todoroki and Takao Watanabe in mounting the Bird Sonic devices, high-frequency speakers, solar panels, and batteries onto steel poles installed in the grassy area north of the 2,500-meter Runway B. Staff members from Narita International Airport Corporation observed the work.
Each Bird Sonic unit is equipped with four speaker sets oriented in different directions. The sound spreads approximately 50 degrees vertically and horizontally from each speaker and can reach up to 300 meters under calm wind conditions. To reduce the risk of birds becoming accustomed to the sound, the system can emit multiple frequency patterns.
“We hope that the installation of Bird Sonic at Narita Airport will ultimately reduce bird strikes by more than 80% compared with current levels,” Professor Tsuji said.