Consultation starts into revamping ‘outdated’ Scottish airspace

A consultation has started into redesigning the airspace for airlines using Edinburgh and Glasgow airports.

 

The Scottish airspace modernisation scheme is a co-ordinated proposal involving both airports and air traffic control provider Nats. 

 

The aim is to enable “smarter, more direct” flight paths in an effort to reduce journey times and minimise the environmental impact, according to Nats.

 

It is part of a nationwide government and Civil Aviation Authority programme to enable quieter and cleaner flights within the UK.  

 

The proposed changes focus on an area that handles more than 200,000 flights a year. 

 

Much of the UK’s airspace was designed in the 1950s, when there were fewer flights and navigation technology was far less sophisticated. 

 

Today’s modern aircraft still fly these “outdated” routes, meaning they often fly further and longer than they need to, Nats said.

 

Airspace modernisation aims to harness modern technology to make the route network more efficient.

 

Modernising will enable a reduction of 18,000 tonnes of CO2 each year – approximately emissions from the energy used by 5,000 households. 

 

More direct routing will save 79,000 nautical miles of flying a year – equivalent to flying 3.5 times around the world, or roughly 30 minutes of flight time saved each day. 

 

Changes are proposed to the departure and arrival procedures at both airports, delivering a reduction in emissions per flight and reducing the overall adverse noise effects. 

 

Nats is proposing a redesign of airspace between 7,000ft and 25,500ft into structured flight paths to improve efficiency, streamline the role of air traffic control and increase capacity.

 

The Airspace Change Organising Group has prepared a single strategic masterplan to improve efficiency, capacity and environmental performance of UK airspace. 

 

Edinburgh and Glasgow airports are both responsible for the modernisation of their departure and arrival routes below 7,000ft, and NATS is responsible for connecting these routes into the higher-level airspace network above. 

 

Aviation, maritime and decarbonisation minister Keir Mather said: “We are fast-tracking airspace modernisation to deliver more reliable, efficient, and greener flights, while giving passengers greater choice and a better experience. It is fantastic to see Scottish airports and Nats reach this important milestone.  

 

 “Airports across the UK will be following in Scotland’s footsteps as we drive forward our plans for a modern aviation sector to support jobs, grow the economy and improve passenger experiences.” 

 

Nats head of operations development Lee Boulton said: “Above 7,000ft, Scottish airspace is among the busiest in the UK, handling over 40% of UK traffic. 

 

“With demand expected to rise over the next decade, airspace modernisation will help ensure the network can meet future needs by enabling more direct routes while reducing emissions per flight. 

 

“We encourage stakeholders to share their views through the consultation, so all voices are heard in shaping the proposals.” 

 

Edinburgh airport chief executive Gordon Dewar said: “We know this is a complex topic, and the consultation period will allow us to continue that engagement and explain the potential benefits for communities, the airport, and the environment, while maintaining an open dialogue.” 

 

Glasgow airport managing director Mark Beveridge said: “Our proposals aim to reduce the total adverse effects of noise from aircraft, improve capacity and minimise delays, and lower emissions per flight through more direct routing. We look forward to engaging in detailed discussions at our upcoming events and webinars over the coming weeks and months.”