Fewer delays and reduced bottlenecks could help advance cleaner air travel as the Department for Transport unveiled new plans to modernise UK airspace design.
In a critical step towards delivering a manifesto pledge to support airspace modernisation and clean air travel, a consultation launched today will seek views on proposals to establish a UK Airspace Design Service.
A new team of aviation experts will lead the charge and work with UK airports to improve how planes fly in, out, and over the UK, starting by examining London’s airspace.
The plans could reduce delays, emissions, and noise pollution by facilitating upgrades of the ‘highways of the sky’, making the industry more efficient and delivering important economic growth for the whole of the UK.
Driving forward UK airspace modernisation
UK airspace experienced some of its busiest days on record in July, with over 8,239 flights.
With over 2.6 million aircraft flying through the UK every year, both 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.
Mike Kane, Minister for Aviation, explained: “UK airspace is one of the nation’s biggest invisible assets, but it’s been stuck in the past – a 1950s pilot would find that little has changed.
“Our once-in-a-generation creation of a UK Airspace Design Service will not only drive forward airspace modernisation and create a system that’s fit for the future, but it will help create quicker routes, ease delays and reduce harmful emissions – making air travel a better experience for all.”
How the policy will help advance cleaner air travel
By enabling aircraft to use advanced navigation technologies, the UK Airspace Design Service will be able to plan the more efficient use of the finite amount of airspace in the UK, including the use of continuous climb and descent profiles and reduced need to hold aircraft.
London airspace is the busiest and most congested in the UK, and delays in London often have a knock-on effect on the rest of the UK.
The first phase of the UK Airspace Design Service would focus on the complex and busy airspace around London and the South East.
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 use more efficient flight paths. It could also cut harmful emissions, with planes spending less time in the air.
This would support the UK’s mission to create a greener industry, as well as the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and the upcoming SAF mandate.
This is in addition to the government’s commitments to tackle climate change, achieve net zero by 2050, and secure the aviation sector’s long-term future.
