The London Airspace Consultation runs for 14 weeks until 21 January 2014. This is the first stage in a wider programme of airspace modernisation to be complete by 2020. This stage addresses changes to airspace supporting Gatwick, London City, Southend and Biggin Hill airports.
The attached note provides some headlines on the consultation. Final route positions will be determined after considering feedback from the consultation.
NATS state that the aim of the consultation is to create less noise – with aircraft climbing higher, more quickly on departure and staying higher for longer on arrival. However, they add that this will mean flight paths will change – and this may mean some areas will be overflown more than today, others less, and some will not notice any significant change.
In respect of the Gatwick Airport proposals, this is a joint consultation by NATS and Gatwick Airport. Gatwick Airport is leading a consultation on proposed changes to its departure and arrival routes below 4,000ft; NATS is leading the consultation on proposals for changes to network airspace above 7,000ft. Intermediate airspace between 4,000-7,000ft, where low altitude and network airspace connect, requires partnership between the two companies.
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