A new consultation launched by Edinburgh Airport, Glasgow Airport and NATS aims to transform Scottish skies via the modernisation of UK airspace.
The Scottish Airspace Modernisation change proposal forms part of a nationwide programme required by Government policy and the Civil Aviation Authority’s Airspace Modernisation Strategy to enable quicker, quieter and cleaner flights within the UK.
Changes within the proposal focus on an area roughly 61,000 km² in size handling over 200,000 flights per year, with changes set to enable a reduction of 18,000 tonnes of CO2e each year from deployment.
More direct routing is set to save 79,000 nautical miles of flying per year, the equivalent of flying around the world 3.5 times.
Keir Mather, Minister for Aviation, Maritime, and Decarbonisation 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.
In order to deliver this change; the Airspace Change Organising Group (ACOG) has prepared a single strategic plan called the Airspace Change Masterplan.
The Masterplan proposes changes to both the departure and arrival procedures at both Edinburgh & Glasgow Airport, including the introduction of systemisation between 7,000ft and 25,500ft which seeks to establish structured flight paths in order to improve efficiency, streamline air traffic control and increase capacity.
If implemented, these changes will integrate with Free Route Airspace, which has allowed airlines to fly their preferred routes above 25,000ft since its introduction in Scotland in December 2021.
