Embodiments of the invention provide an aircraft configuration that provides for increased engine noise shielding for community noise reduction, while still providing desirable aerodynamic attributes such as good spanwise lift distributions and good structural integration without excessive wing surface area. Specifically, the aircraft is configured to have a longer-chord inboard wing portion and a shorter-chord outboard wing portion. The aircraft engines are positioned in major part over the longer-chord inboard wing portions such that communities below the wing are at least partially shielded by the inboard wing portion from the engine noise. Embodiments of the invention also strategically position fowler flaps or other chord-increasing devices in the region of the wing proximate the engine. Since the fowler motion increases the effective chord of the wing as the flaps are extended, the flaps may be deployed to increase the shielding characteristics of the wing.