The Department for Transport (DfT) has unveiled new plans to modernise UK airspace design
A consultation launched on October 22, 2024 is seeking views on proposals to establish a UK Airspace Design Service – a new team of aviation experts who will work with UK airports to improve the way planes fly in, out and over the UK. It will start by looking at London’s airspace.
According to the DfT, by facilitating upgrades of the ‘highways of the sky’, the plans could reduce delays, emissions and noise pollution – making the industry more efficient and delivering important economic growth for the whole of the UK.
In July 2024, UK airspace experienced some of its busiest days on record with over 8,239 flights. With over 2.6 million aircraft flying through the UK every year, both the DfT and the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) are seeking views on how a UK Airspace Design Service could deliver on airspace modernisation – utilising new technology to meet demand and ultimately help pave the way for incorporation of new technologies, such as drones and spacecraft.
Rob Bishton, chief executive of the CAA, said: “Modernising our airspace is crucial to delivering a more efficient, sustainable and resilient system. The proposals we’ve outlined set out the next steps in our ongoing efforts to progress the modernisation of UK airspace.
“The UK Airspace Design Service would create a holistic and integrated design, simplifying the process and bureaucracy in coordination with airports, airlines and air navigation service providers to deliver benefits for passengers and local communities impacted by aviation noise.
“Airspace modernisation will reduce disruption as airlines utilise more efficient flight paths. It could also cut harmful emissions with planes spending less time in the air, supporting our mission to create a greener industry alongside the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and the upcoming SAF mandate.”
The consultation will be open for responses from October 22 until December 17. It can be accessed via the CAA’s website.
