Government plans to cut flight delays and emissions by modernising how the UK’s airspace is used could help millions of passengers every year.
The Department for Transport (DfT) is starting a consultation on a proposal to establish a UK Airspace Design Service, which would consist of aviation experts working with airports to improve “highways in the sky” flown by aircraft.
The new body would start by reviewing London’s airspace, which is the busiest in the UK.
The consultation runs until December 17.
Much of how the UK’s airspace is used dates back to the 1950s, when there were fewer flights and aircraft navigated using ground-based beacons.
The DfT believes that enabling aircraft to use modern navigation technologies will boost efficiency, including a reduction in the need to enter holding patterns before receiving permission to land at busy airports.
Airspace above there capital is the busiest and most congested in the UK and delays in London often have a knock-on effect for 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 southeast.
Aviation minister Mike Kane said: “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.”
EasyJet last month said inefficient use of airspace contributes to increases in fuel consumption, carbon emissions and flight times.
The carrier described the problem as a “universal issue” across the whole of Europe, but said the “greatest inefficiencies” for its operations are in the UK.
Among the impacts are aircraft being required to climb in steps after take-off, complex routing, and delayed descents to manage the workload of air traffic control (ATC) staff.
Air traffic control provider Nats has come under pressure from carriers for its performance over the past 18 months.
The UK’s air traffic control system notably failed over the August bank holiday weekend last summer, affecting more than 700,000 passengers during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Airlines have also faced bouts of disruption because of staff shortages in the control tower at Gatwick, which Nats runs.
However, the DfT believes airspace modernisation will reduce disruption as airlines utilise more efficient flightpaths.
It could also cut emissions with aircraft spending less time in the air, supporting government efforts to create a greener industry alongside the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and an upcoming SAF mandate.
Civil Aviation Authority chief executive Rob Bishton said: “Modernising our airspace is crucial to delivering a more efficient, sustainable and resilient system.
“The proposals we’ve outlined today set out the next steps in our ongoing efforts to progress the modernisation of UK airspace.
“This builds on the important work already done across the industry towards a more streamlined, sustainable airspace system that benefits passengers, airlines and local communities.”
Nats chief executive Martin Rolfe, subject of criticism from Ryanair and EasyJet over ATC failures, said: “Any initiative that can help speed up the modernisation programme for UK airspace is very welcome, especially in London and the southeast.
“It is some of the busiest and most complex airspace in the world with take-offs and landings at five major airports and several smaller ones.
“This is the next big step in modernising UK airspace following the work we have already completed in other parts of the country and we welcome the government’s consultation on how best to deliver it.”
Airlines UK chief executive Tim Alderslade said: “Reform of the UK’s airspace will not only reduce delays and improve resilience for passengers and cargo operators in what is an increasingly congested system, it is also a critical pathway through which the industry can achieve net zero emissions. We welcome the progress the new Government has made in taking this forward.
“Airlines strongly support the proposed Airspace Design Service and urge all parts of the industry – working in partnership with government and the regulator – to come together to complete the modernisation programme no later than the end of the decade, so we can continue delivering for passengers and users and make air travel more enjoyable for everyone well into the future.”
Airports UK chief executive Karen Dee added: “By establishing the UK Airspace Design Service, government is recognising the strategic nature of our skies and the routes that aircraft fly, along with the need to coordinate their modernisation in the incredibly complex area over London.
“When combined with proposals on how this system will be funded, this marks a positive step forward that will give the whole process momentum and meet airports’ desire to see airspace modernisation delivered as quickly as possible.
“This will send the signal to the world that the UK is at the forefront of aviation technology, wants to be as easy to travel to and from as possible, and is open to global business.”
British Airline Pilots’ Association head of flight safety Joji Waites said: “Balpa welcomes the joint DfT-CAA consultation announced today on a new UK Airspace Design Service.
With the proposed initial focus on the complex airspace around London and the southeast, such a service will be essential to enable the plans of the airspace modernisation strategy to be translated into reality – and help to deliver the modern, efficient, safe and sustainable airspace system the UK urgently requires.”