The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced new plans to modernise UK airspace design in what is expected to be the largest shift in its history.
A consultation has been launched to seek views on proposals that will establish a UK Airspace Design Service consisting of a team of aviation experts tasked with leading the charge, as well as collaborate with UK airports to determine potential improvements to flights in and out of the UK.
Beginning with London airspace, the DfT aims to overhaul ‘highways of the sky’, reducing delays, emissions and noise pollution.
With the UK seeing more than 2.6 million aircraft flights year on year, modernisation by way of the introduction of drones and spacecraft are to be discussed amongst talks with industry professionals, bringing upgrades to a network predominantly established in the 1950’s.
Mike Kane, Minister for Aviation, 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.
With its formation, the UK Airspace Design Service will look to create a more integrated system for coordination with airports, airlines and air navigation service providers, aiming to improve services for both passengers and local residents impacted by noise pollution.
Karen Dee, Chief Executive of AirportsUK, the trade body for UK airports, said: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.
Those interested are able to respond to the consultation from 9am on 22 October until 11:59pm on 17 December 2024.
