Following the government’s announcement of new plans to modernise UK airspace, including a consultation on the proposal to establish a UK Airspace Design Service, Paul Le Blond, Chair of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport UK's (CILT(UK)) Aviation Policy Group, has shared his views on the initiative.
Paul Le Blond, CILT(UK) Aviation Policy Group Chair said: “The consultation and proposals to establish a UK Airspace Design Service is a welcome step forward as we explore simpler, more effective ways to accommodate sustainable growth in aviation.
“It’s vital that all stakeholders, not just the industry, but also the communities affected by airspace changes can easily understand what is happening and why.
“Streamlining airspace design is a key part of delivering cleaner, quieter, and quicker flights, and the benefits of modernisation go far beyond the aviation sector.
“Clearer communication and collaboration will be essential to ensuring the environmental, economic, and social benefits of these changes are fully realised,” he added.
If a UK Airspace Design Service is established the government said it will involve a new team of aviation experts who will work with UK airports to improve the way planes fly in, out and over the UK, starting by looking at London’s airspace.
In July, UK airspace experienced some of its busiest days on record with over 8,239 flights.
Considering that there are over 2.6 million aircraft flying through the UK every year, both the DfT and the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) are now seeking views on how a UK Airspace Design Service could deliver on airspace modernisation.
It is expected by officials that by utilising new technology to meet demand, this could ultimately catalyse the incorporation of new tech, such as drones and spacecraft.
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.”
Rob Bishton, Chief Executive at the CAA described modernising our airspace as “crucial,” underlining that the proposal made by the government will set out next steps for ongoing progress to achieve this goal.
“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,” said Rob.
The opportunity to respond to the consultation is from 9am on October 22 until 11:59pm on December 17 2024.