The Civil Aviation Authority launched a “delivery plan” for the “full-scale modernisation” of UK airspace by 2040 today, urging collaboration across the industry “to make it a success”.
The plan, in a document entitled ‘Airspace Modernisation Strategy, Part 3: Deployment Plan’, outlines proposed changes to UK airspace over the next seven years.
This sets out key activities and milestones the industry and regulator will need to deliver, alongside the required regulatory frameworks.
The CAA hailed its publication as “a significant milestone” in work to modernise the country’s airspace.
The plan includes an examination of how drones and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft can operate safely in the same airspace as aircraft, along with the services needed to support airspace users and the technology required for aircraft to avoid each other.
CAA chief executive Rob Bishton said: “Overhauling our airspace is a long-term and complex endeavour, requiring concerted efforts and collaboration from the aerospace industry. It’s key to enabling new and innovative technologies to thrive in UK aerospace.
“Our delivery plan sets out the main priorities, providing a framework for co-ordinated action and accountability.”
Bishton said: “It not only outlines our strategic priorities, but is also a blueprint for industry to engage and contribute towards the vision of a modernised airspace.”
Aviation minister Mike Kane said: “The world of aviation is undergoing a technological revolution and it’s crucial our airspace evolves alongside this.
“The CAA’s plan to modernise our airspace will help ease delays, support efforts to decarbonise and reduce noise. This plan will ensure these innovations are safely and effectively integrated into our skies.”
The Deployment Plan details the work the CAA has committed to, including projects already underway or due to commence in the next two years, and activities the industry will need to deliver.
It also provides an overview of work to take place over the subsequent five years.
The CAA said it will collaborate with the Airspace Change Organising Group (ACOG), Ministry of Defence and NATS Enroute Ltd (NERL) in this work.
The plan set out to coincide with the Farnborough International Airshow builds upon a revised Airspace Modernisation Strategy the CAA published in January 2023.