Watch the latest video on airspace modernisation.
The majority of UK flight paths were designed decades ago, at a time when aircraft and navigation were much less sophisticated than today. A nationwide airspace modernisation programme is therefore underway across UK airports. Modernisation of the UK’s airspace is required to accommodate growing demand for air travel in a sustainable way. The Government has embarked on its airspace modernisation strategy which is being sponsored by the Civil Aviation Authority and the Department for Transport.
The aim of the strategy is to make airspace more efficient, to improve punctuality, to reduce CO2 emissions, to reduce noise and to ensure there is capacity to meet future demand. The strategy will require UK airports to modernise their airspace, as well as the airspace network above them, known as en route airspace. The UK’s Airspace Modernisation Strategy is part of ICAO’s Global Air Navigation Plan.
The Government’s strategic rationale for upgrading UK airspace provides more information on the need for airspace modernisation in the UK and describes the planned upgrades. The One Sky One Plan website provides more information about the benefits of airspace modernisation. Heathrow is working closely with the Airspace Change Organising Group ACOG and other airports to develop plans that integrate and work together across the UK.
The Government and CAA recently confirmed that they will deliver a step change in how airspace modernisation is taken forward by establishing a UK Airspace Design Service (UKADS). The Government and the CAA are now working with NATS, with the shared ambition for UKADS to be up and running from late 2025. UKADS will act as the sponsor for future airspace design. The CAA proposed to set up UKADS in two phases. In the first phase, UKADS will take forward a single airspace change proposal to modernise London’s complex airspace. In the second phase, UKADS could become responsible for sponsoring and progressing all airspace change proposals in the UK.
How is airspace change achieved ?
Heathrow is following the CAA’s Airspace Change process, known as CAP1616. The process involves seven stages, with a gateway at each stage for the CAA to assess the work Heathrow has undertaken and decide whether to give approval to move to the next stage.
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