Editor’s Highlights
September has been a busy month for major aviation and aviation related policy announcements as the bulging monthly highlights section below demonstrates. The TSC is active with Inquiries into the ‘Route to Recovery’ and ‘Levelling-up Policy; the SoS’s statement on the ANPS in response to stakeholder requests stonewalls the major capacity issues; changes to the COVID Traffic Light System have been coming thick and fast and ICCAN has been unceremoniously wound-up despite opposition from Community and Environmental groups and most SASIG members.
Coming down the track, now that DfT have confirmed there will be no Aviation Recovery Plan, is an Aviation Framework, that will draw on the 2018 Aviation 2050 consultation and, rather like the very unsatisfactory 2013 Framework (parts of which remain extant), will alight upon 7 ‘hot topic’ themes. Described as a hybrid between a Green Paper and a White Paper, it seems highly unlikely the long anticipated comprehensive policy statement promised during the post-Davis Commission policy consultation, will emerge even after 5-6 years of gestation. The notion of the UK’s Strategic Aviation policy being captured in a single document is likely to have to wait another iteration of forecasts, CO2 monitoring, technological developments and probably another Government before it comes to rest. By then it will probably +20 years since the last such document was published in 2003.
With Parliament sitting temporarily before the party conferences, Transport Questions in both the Commons and Lords focused heavily on changes to travel restrictions and de-carbonisation, the two dominant issues of the preceding Quarter.
There are a lot of PQ’s this month and the answers are nearly all lengthy and worth reading, following which there are four pages of news items. My thanks to my colleague Lesley Smith at the Secretariat for compiling what is an extremely full and informative September issue of the SASIG Newsletter. I think this edition, in particular, illustrates the amount of effort that goes into preparing the Newsletter each and every month, and as always, we stand ready to answer any queries your reading of it may raise.
Chris Cain
Policy Director
SASIG
Monthly Highlights
6th September – Aviation Minister makes statement to say ICCAN will be wound up by the end of this month. Its responsibilities will be transferred to the CAA.
6th September – Government publishes document which provides the SoS’s decision on whether it is appropriate to review the Airports National Policy Statement in response to a number of review requests from external stakeholders. See here.
9th September – Public consultation begins on Gatwick’s on second runway. Their press release can be seen here.
10th September – Transport Committee launches an inquiry to plot the aviation sector’s route to recovery – details can be seen here.
15th September – Prime Minister began major reshuffle of his Cabinet.
16th September – Lord Frost’s statement on Brexit opportunities including reaffirming commitments to a host of reforms to bolster the UK’s General Aviation sector can be seen here. More detailed information and reaction from Aviation Minister can be seen here.
17th September – Changes made to the UK’s travel ‘traffic light’ system – see here.
28th September – DfT launches its consultation ‘Future of Transport Regulatory Review: Future of Flight’ which focuses on aviation and air cargo.
29th September – SASIG Members’ Meeting (virtual) held and also on this day the TSC issued a new report on the Government’s ‘levelling up’ policy – see here.
Events, Meetings and Conferences
SASIG Meetings
(To note: depending on any restrictions continuing, some of these meetings may be held virtually. It is therefore advised to check with the Secretariat first before making any travel arrangements).
15 December 2021: 10:30-1pm: SASIG full meeting/ afternoon workshop – Westminster Suite, LGA or virtually via Zoom – tba.
External Conferences (please note: due to the pandemic, some changes have occurred).
10-12 October 2021: World Routes 2021: Milan, Italy.
W/b: 11 October 2021: ABTA Travel Convention: Virtual meeting.
26-27 October 2021: 31st ACI Europe Annual Congress & General Assembly: Geneva, Switzerland.
1-2 December 2021: 9th European Aviation Conference: Heilbronn, Germany
5, 6 & 7 April 2022: Passenger Terminal Expo & Conference: Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, Paris, France.
18-22 May 2022: Routes Europe: Bergen, Norway.
Parliamentary and Government News
Summer Recess dates for both House of Commons and Lords:
Both houses rose on 22nd July 2021 and returned on 6th September 2021. The Commons rose again on 23rdSeptember and will return on 18th October whilst the Lords rose on 16th September and will return on 11th October.
10th September – Transport Committee launches an inquiry to plot the aviation sector’s route to recovery – details can be seen here.
Transport Questions: House of Commons:
6th September – The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Robert Courts MP’s statement regarding Civil Aviation Noise: Independent Advice to Government may be seen here.
Also on this day, the Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps, gave a statement providing an update on developments on international travel and on changes to the traffic light system made over the summer recess period.
7th September – Draft Renewable Transport Fuel Obligations (Amendment) Order 2021
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Rachel Maclean MP, published the draft statutory instrument, the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligations (Amendment) Order 2021, and accompanying explanatory memorandum.
14th September – Decarbonising the UK: Role of Shipping Emissions
The House was asked to consider the role of shipping emissions in decarbonising the UK. See here for the debate.
20th September – International Travel
The Secretary of State for Transport made a statement on international travel and the easy of travel restrictions – see here.
21st September – Decarbonising Aviation
The House was asked whether it had considered decarbonising aviation – see the debate here.
Transport Questions: House of Lords
7th September – Climate Change
Government was asked what assessment they have made of the report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis, published on 9 August – see here.
9th September – Net-Zero Emissions: Planning and Building Regulations
Government was asked what plans they have to align England’s planning system and building regulations with (1) the net zero emissions target, and (2) other environmental goals – see here.
13th September – Transport: Hydrogen
Government was asked what assessment they have made of the potential of (1) hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and (2) internal combustion engines fuelled by hydrogen, as alternatives to battery-powered electric vehicles. The debate also included aviation – see here.
16th September – Lord Frost’s statement on Brexit opportunities including reaffirming commitments to a host of reforms to bolster the UK’s General Aviation sector can be seen here. More detailed information and reaction from Aviation Minister can be seen here.
Also on this day, the House was asked to take note of the role of behaviour change in helping the UK to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, as set out in the report by the Climate Change Committee Reducing emissions: 2021 Progress Report to Parliament, published on 26 June; and of the case for a public engagement strategy to facilitate this. See the debate here.
Parliamentary Questions:
Q.1. Question (43704) asked by Carla Lockhart (Upper Bann) on 6 September 2021: “To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of the end of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme on employment levels in the travel and aviation sectors”.
A. Jesse Norman on 14 September 2021: “The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme was designed as a temporary, economy-wide measure to support businesses while widespread restrictions were in place. Closing the scheme at the end of September is designed to strike the right balance between supporting the economy as it opens up, continuing to provide support and protect incomes, and ensuring that incentives are in place to get people back to work as demand returns. This approach has worked; the OBR have estimated that without the short-term fiscal easing announced in the Budget, and in particular the CJRS extension, unemployment would have been about 300,000 higher in the fourth quarter of this year than the 2.2 million in the central forecast.
The Government recognises the particular challenges that the travel industry has faced as a result of COVID-19. In England travel agents have recently benefited from Restart Grants worth up to £6,000, and can continue to benefit from the £2 billion of discretionary grant funding that has been made available to local authorities in England through the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG). Furthermore, the aviation and aerospace sectors are being supported with over £12 billion that has been made available through loan guarantees, support for exporters, the Bank of England’s Covid Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF) and grants for research and development. In addition, airports continue to benefit from the renewed Airport and Ground Operations Support Scheme announced at Budget.
The Global Travel Taskforce (GTT) report sets out a clear framework for the Government’s objective of establishing a safe and sustainable return to international travel, which is key to enabling the sector’s recovery. It has been created following extensive engagement with the international travel and tourism industries, and changes following the recent checkpoint review of the GTT are a vital step in enabling the recovery of travel operators and those whose jobs rely on the travel industry.
The Government has shown throughout the pandemic that it is prepared to adapt support if the path of the virus changes. It continues to engage closely with sectors across the economy, including the travel industry, in order to understand their recovery horizons as the vaccine is rolled out and restrictions ease”.
Q.2. Question (41758) asked by Daniel Kawczynski (Shrewsbury & Atcham) on 3 September 2021: “To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of extending the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme for specific sectors, such as aerospace and aviation, to avoid redundancies due to reduced orders as a result of the covid-19 outbreak”.
A. Jesse Norman on 13 September 2021: “The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme was designed as a temporary, economy-wide measure to support businesses while widespread restrictions were in place. Closing the scheme at the end of September is designed to strike the right balance between supporting the economy as it opens up, continuing to provide support and protect incomes, and ensuring that incentives are in place to get people back to work as demand returns. This approach has worked; the OBR have estimated that without the short-term fiscal easing announced in the Budget, and in particular the CJRS extension, unemployment would have been about 300,000 higher in the fourth quarter of this year than the 2.2 million in the central forecast. The Government recognises the particular challenges that the travel industry has faced as a result of COVID-19. In England travel agents have recently benefited from Restart Grants worth up to £6,000, and can continue to benefit from the £2 billion of discretionary grant funding that has been made available to local authorities in England through the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG). Furthermore, the aviation and aerospace sectors are being supported with over £12 billion that has been made available through loan guarantees, support for exporters, the Bank of England’s Covid Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF) and grants for research and development. In addition, airports continue to benefit from the renewed Airport and Ground Operations Support Scheme announced at Budget. The Global Travel Taskforce (GTT) report sets out a clear framework for the Government’s objective of establishing a safe and sustainable return to international travel, which is key to enabling the sector’s recovery. It has been created following extensive engagement with the international travel and tourism industries, and changes following the recent checkpoint review of the GTT are a vital step in enabling the recovery of travel operators and those whose jobs rely on the travel industry.
The Government has shown throughout the pandemic that it is prepared to adapt support if the path of the virus changes. It continues to engage closely with sectors across the economy, including the travel industry, in order to understand their recovery horizons as the vaccine is rolled out and restrictions ease”.
Q.3. Question (45908) asked by Dan Carden (Liverpool, Walton) on 9 September 2021: “To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if his Department will take steps to review the Airports National Policy Statement in light of the Government’s commitment to net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050”.
A. Robert Courts on 14 September 2021: “On 6th September the Secretary of State wrote to those stakeholders who had requested a review of the Airports National Policy Statement under the Planning Act 2008, communicating that it is not appropriate to review the ANPS at this time. The issue of whether to review the ANPS will be reconsidered after the Jet Zero Strategy has been finalised and we have more certainty about the longer-term impact of Covid-19 on aviation”.
Q.4. Question (48127) asked by Sir David Amess on 13 September 2021: “To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Transport on steps to mitigate the levels of air pollution around regional airports in residential areas”.
A. Rebecca Pow on 16 September 2021: “There are regular discussions between DEFRA and DfT at ministerial and official levels regarding air pollution and the practical steps we can take towards reducing emissions. The government is working to improve international standards on emissions from aircraft and to challenge airports to improve local air quality. Emissions from aircraft are strictly regulated by the International Civil Aviation Organization. The aviation industry is taking action to cut airport-related emissions by operating aircraft more efficiently, introducing new lower emission technologies and practices, reducing vehicle emissions within the airport boundary, and improving public transport links to airports. Local authorities are responsible for assessing local air quality and to take action if local air quality standards and objectives are not met. This would include liaising with airports to manage the impact they are having including from vehicles accessing the airport”.
Q.5. Question (48225) asked by Jim Shannon (Strangford) on 13 September 2021: “To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate he has made of (a) the level of demand for sustainable aviation fuel and (b) the amount of renewable, waste derived feedstocks required to meet that demand”.
A. Andrew Stephenson on 21 September 2021: “As the UK moves towards reaching net zero by 2050, interest in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) continues to grow. Industry and governments globally expect that SAF will play a key role in the decarbonisation of the aviation sector, particularly for long-haul flights which cannot currently be decarbonised by other means. As part of the Prime Minister’s 10 Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, the Government announced the intention to consult on a SAF blending mandate to drive SAF uptake in the UK. This consultation was published in July and is open to responses until 19 September. The consultation sets out a variety of potential SAF uptake scenarios, which go up to 10 percent SAF by 2030 and up to 75 percent by 2050. The level of ambition will be determined by the Government following the consultation.
The level of demand will also impact the amount of feedstock required. The modelling supporting the consultation takes into consideration the interactions between fuels needed for road, non-road mobile machinery and aviation, and the availability of sustainable feedstocks and renewable fuels. A summary of responses and next steps will be published in due course, and the modelling will be updated to take into account evidence from the consultation”.
Q.6. Question (45124) asked by Jim Shannon (Strangford) on 8 September 2021: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the potential merits to the UK public of improved air quality in international airspace resulting from the UK aviation sector increasing its use of renewable fuels”.
A. Rachel Maclean on 15 September 2021: “Under the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) renewable fuel used in mobile generators is eligible for Renewable Transport Fuel Certificates (RTFCs). Suppliers of fossil fuel used in mobile generators and other forms of non-road mobile machinery are also subject to an obligation to ensure renewable fuels are supplied in the UK. Suppliers of fossil fuels used in aviation are not currently obligated under the RTFO, but renewable fuels used in the sector are potentially eligible for RTFCs. The Department has no plans to limit the supply of renewable fuel to mobile generators for the purposes of increasing the availability of renewable fuels in the aviation sector.
In July the Department launched a consultation on proposals for a UK sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) mandate requiring jet fuel suppliers to blend an increasing proportion of SAF into aviation fuel from 2025. The consultation closes on 19 September. The modelling supporting the consultation has taken into consideration the interactions between fuels needed for road, non-road mobile machinery and aviation, and the availability of sustainable feedstocks and renewable fuels. A summary of responses including next steps will be published in due course and the modelling will be updated considering evidence from the consultation.
Policy development on the RTFO takes into account competing demands for renewable fuel resources across different transport sectors. It is also informed by regular reviews to ensure the scheme is delivering cost effective carbon savings in support of UK carbon budgets. It is widely understood that the availability of biomass used to produce biofuels is limited. So, these finite resources need to be deployed in sectors of the economy where greater greenhouse gas savings can be achieved, or sectors that have fewer decarbonisation options, such as aviation. The renewable fuel market will transform and adjust through this decade and beyond. As we transition to electric vehicles, some biomass and other sources of renewable fuel will be freed up to accommodate increased use in SAF.
Biofuels are traded in a competitive global market and the RTFO certificate trading scheme includes several measures to ensure costs passed on to the consumer are minimised and targets for the supply of renewable fuels are met. For example, the RTFO scheme includes a buy-out mechanism. The buy-out price, which was reviewed and updated last year, is set at a level which ensures that in normal market conditions there is a strong commercial incentive for suppliers to discharge their obligation through the supply of renewable fuels. Suppliers of fossil fuels to the non-road mobile machinery and diesel road vehicle sectors therefore have a strong incentive to meet their obligations under the RTFO through ensuring the supply of renewable fuels.
There are no direct benefits to the UK public of improved air quality in international airspace, defined as airspace which is outside of the standard state territorial limits. Studies have shown that NOx emissions from aircraft above 1,000 feet are unlikely to have a significant impact on local air quality. However, on top of the carbon emissions reductions and economic benefits associated with SAF use and production, there is growing evidence that SAF also reduces sulphur dioxide and particulate matter emissions. Thereby improving local air quality during take-off and landing, as well as other non-CO2 impacts of aeroplanes, including contrails”.
Q.7. Question (HL2554) asked by Baroness Randerson on 8 September 2021: “To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to ensure that (1) the Civil Aviation Authority, and (2) the Department for Transport, will be able to exercise independent judgement in relation to the functions they are scheduled to assume from the Independent Commission on Civil Aviation Noise”.
A. Baroness Vere of Norbiton on 15 September 2021: “The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) provides a range of advice across a number of aviation subjects and domains. The CAA’s Environmental Research and Consultancy Department already produces independent noise advice for many stakeholders and the creation of a new Environmental Panel will give access to greater levels of technical capability and transparency around that advice. Decisions about aviation noise policy will, as they always have, remain with the Government.
Q.8. Question (HL2553) asked by Baroness Randerson on 8 September 2021: “To ask Her Majesty’s Government what are their reasons for abolishing the Independent Commission on Civil Aviation Noise; what assessment they have made of its ability to demonstrate its worth during the COVID-19 pandemic; and, in any such assessment, whether they considered that more time may be needed for it to demonstrate its worth given the circumstances of the pandemic”.
A. Baroness Vere of Norbiton on 15 September 2021: “The independent review of the Independent Commission on Civil Aviation Noise (ICCAN), commissioned by the Department, found that ICCAN’s functions were essential, but that other models of delivery could be considered to deliver the functions more effectively. The review took into account the circumstances of the pandemic. Having considered other models, the Government has decided that the majority of ICCAN’s functions could be done more effectively by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). In particular, the CAA’s wider environmental and airspace responsibilities make it a more natural fit to ensure that noise advice forms part of wider considerations”.
Q.9. Question (44369) asked by Ruth Cadbury (Brentford & Isleworth) on 7 September 2021: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will amend Section 70 of the Transport 2000 Act to ensure the Civil Aviation Authority can take action to reduce the impact of aircraft noise”.
A. Robert Courts on 15 September 2021: “Section 70 (2)(d) of the Transport Act 2000 requires the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to take account of any guidance on environmental objectives given to it by the Secretary of State. These environmental objectives, including with respect to aircraft noise, are set out in the revised Air Navigation Guidance presented to the CAA in October 2017 and which followed an extensive public consultation. This Guidance is kept under review by the Department.
The Air Navigation Guidance requires airspace change sponsors to undertake noise impact assessments in accordance with the Department’s Transport Analysis Guidance tool. These requirements are reflected in the CAA’s CAP1616 airspace change process and the CAA takes account of them when assessing an airspace change proposal.
An independent review of the Independent Commission on Civil Aviation Noise (ICCAN) conducted earlier this year, recommended improved consultation with Government to align work with policy needs and give greater clarity on priorities. ICCAN will be wound down later in September, followed by a transitional phase during which the Department for Transport will work with the CAA, which will take on the majority of ICCAN’s former functions no later than April 2022. The CAA has world-renowned expertise in noise and is well placed to advise the Government on aviation noise management”.
Q.10. Question (44367) asked by Ruth Cadbury (Brentford & Isleworth) on 7 September 2021: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will review the statutory duties of the Civil Aviation Authority”.
A. Robert Courts on 15 September 2021: “The functions of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) evolve over time as Parliament sees fit to confer new functions on it. Recent examples have been the regulation of both remotely piloted aerial vehicles and space flight from the UK, and certain aspects of enforcing health protection operator liability regulations. Due to the significant impact that the COVID-19 crisis has had on both our aviation industry and the CAA, we do not consider it appropriate at this time to review the statutory duties of the CAA overall. However, we will consider changes to the CAA’s powers and duties where necessary”.
Q.11. Question (44366) asked by Ruth Cadbury (Brentford & Isleworth) on 7 September 2021: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans he has to strengthen the environmental remit of the Civil Aviation Authority”.
A. Robert Courts on 15 September 2021: “The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) already has a number of environmental responsibilities, including certifying aircraft for noise and emissions standards and the obligation to take fully into account the Government’s objectives on noise, emissions and air quality when exercising its air navigation functions. It also has legal powers to provide information about the environmental impact of aviation where it would help passengers make more informed decisions. We do not currently plan to extend its legal duties on the environment, as these are deemed sufficient. We have recently asked it to take on some of the noise advisory functions of the Independent Commission on Civil Aviation Noise from April 2022. The CAA also plans to establish a new Environment Panel to provide it with independent expert advice on a range of environmental issues including carbon, air quality and noise”.
Q.12. Question (44368) asked by Ruth Cadbury (Brentford & Isleworth) on 7 September 2021: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans he has to make aircraft noise a statutory nuisance”.
A. Robert Courts on 15 September 2021: “The government is supportive of the need to protect communities from the adverse effects of aircraft noise. However, noise from general transport, including aircraft, is not included as a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 as we believe it is not practical for local authorities to enforce these rules. Aviation noise is better managed through specific government policies tailored to individual noise sources, and we believe there are sufficient mechanisms in place to protect communities from the effects of aircraft noise”.
Q.13. Question (50159) asked by Scott Benton (Blackpool South) on 15 September 2021: “To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of (a) reducing or (b) removing Air Passenger Duty on two-way domestic UK flights to assist the growth of (i) regional and (ii) Blackpool airports”.
A. Helen Whately on 22 September 2021: “As part of its recent consultation on aviation tax, the Government outlined its initial view that the effective rate of Air Passenger Duty (APD) on domestic flights should be reduced in order to support Union and regional connectivity and that the number of international distance bands should be increased in order to align APD more closely with our environmental objectives.The consultation sought evidence on the potential impacts of these proposals, including on regional air routes. As part of the consultation process the Government engaged with airports in all parts of the UK.The Government is currently reviewing responses to the consultation and will update in due course”.
Q.14. Question (49155) asked by Seema Malhotra (Feltham & Heston) on 14 September 2021: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on bringing forward an aviation sector deal to support the recovery of aviation related businesses; and if he will make a statement”.
A. Robert Courts on 20 September 2021: “The Government recognises the challenging circumstances facing the aviation industry because of Covid-19 and firms experiencing difficulties have been able to draw upon the unprecedented package of measures announced by the Chancellor. In total, we estimate that by the end of September 2021 the air transport sector (airlines, airports and related services) will have benefited from around £7bn of Government support since the start of the pandemic. This includes support through loan guarantees, support for exporters, the Bank of England’s Covid Corporate Financing Facility and the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. The Department for Transport works closely with HM Treasury on matters related to aviation. We continue to take a flexible approach and keep all impacts and policies under review”.
Q.15. Question (50160) asked by Scott Benton (Blackpool South) on 15 September 2021: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of reforming Public Service Obligations in order to assist the growth of (a) regional and (b) Blackpool airports”.
A. Robert Courts on 22 September 2021: “While we recognise that bringing new routes into a regional airport is likely to increase its passenger footfall, it is important to recognise that Public Service Obligations (PSOs) are a route support measure to strengthen connectivity. We will consider whether there are further opportunities to utilise PSOs, alongside other policy measures, towards meeting our ongoing regional connectivity and levelling-up objectives. We will also continue to consider applications for PSOs on vital routes into London and lifeline services for remote communities that are in danger of being lost”.
Q.16. Question (50160) asked by Scott Benton (Blackpool South) on 15 September 2021: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment he has made of the usage of capital and revenue funding to support the development of small regional airports”.
A. Robert Courts on 22 September 2021: “Airports operate in a private capacity and their funding streams are subject to their own private and commercial activities. The DfT has not undertaken any assessment in relation to the usage of capital and revenue funding to support development of airports”.
National and Regional News
1st September – Ryanair announce 14 new routes from London airports. The airports are Gatwick, Luton and Stansted and the routes will start from November.
2nd September – Southend Airport set to welcome new 6-story airport hotel – see here.
2nd September – London City Airport welcomed ‘low-noise’ aircraft in commercial first.
3rd September – Ryanair flights from East Midlands Airport not currently available beyond Christmas. Customers worried that airport may stop hosting Ryanair flights altogether.
3rd September – Heathrow Airport: £5 terminal drop-off charge starts in October.
4th September – Health professionals protest against the expansion of Leeds Bradford Airport. Campaigners say more passengers mean more flights and more emissions.
4th September – Heathrow criticises Border Force for ‘unacceptable’ queues.
5th September – Airport’s industrial park plan could give Norfolk £50m a year boost. Airport has lodged bids to create a 120,000sq metre industrial estate on the north side of the site.
6th September – Gatwick calls for UK to remove the requirement for testing altogether for travellers who have been double vaccinated – see here.
7th September – UPS opens £138M East Midlands air hub. They’re confident UK businesses of all sizes are poised to make the most of export opportunities now and in the future.
7th September – British Airways’ CEO say that negotiations to set up a new low-cost subsidiary at Gatwick Airport are “advanced”.
8th September – Coventry Airport gigafactory plan sparks objection over ‘economic damage to region’. Specialist aviation consultancy based at airport has lodged an official objection.
8th September – BALPA calls on Government to facilitate a round-table discussion with the Transport Secretary. Their statement can be seen here.
8th September – Stansted Airport Watch campaigners call on Government to end night flights. They say health and wellbeing of residents take precedence.
8th September – Gatwick Airport lenders agree to waive debt repayments temporarily. More than 92.5% of creditors were in favour of the proposal.
9th September – Public consultation begins on Gatwick’s on second runway. Their press release can be seen here.
10th September – An article in New Civil Engineering titled: ‘How Gatwick’s planned airport expansion will be built over five years’ can be seen here.
13th September – Heathrow says it has slipped from number one to tenth place among Europe’s airports. It says other rivals are recovering at a much quicker pace.
13th September – Homes plan for land near Southend Airport runway – see here.
13th September – New touchless bag drop technology being trialled at Heathrow. It uses proximity sensors to allow passengers to check-in luggage without touching kiosk screens.
14th September – Metro mayor tables motion to oppose Bristol Airport expansion in major U-turn. It looks set to be approved.
14th September – Manchester Airport calling for government to introduce a simplified two-tier system for international travel – see here.
15th September – Southend Airport launches Independent Community Noise Forum. They also report summer numbers are down 66%.
15th September – Heathrow Press Release: “Heathrow works with British Airways and partners to demonstrate how aviation is moving towards the “Perfect Flight” is here.
16th September – Gatwick will further subsidise the cost of on-site Covid testing – see here.
17th September – Changes made to the UK’s travel ‘traffic light’ system – see here.
17th September – A press release detailing Heathrow’s ‘Global Britain Business Champions’ – UK SMEs using the airport’s routes to export British excellence – can be seen here.
17th September – UK airports call for passenger locator form to be scrapped amid travel system changes – see here.
20th September – An article titled: ‘The realisation of COVID-19 on Heathrow Airport’s operations’ can be seen here.
20th September – An article in Simple Flying titled: ‘London Airports – What Does the Next 20 Years Look Like?’ is here.
21st September – Gatwick’s Northern Runway cargo volumes forecast to reach 350,000 tonnes by 2047. This will only happen if Northern runway is brought into routine use.
22nd September – Leeds Bradford Airport appoints Nicola McMullen as aviation director. She has over 18 years’ experience in the aviation industry.
23rd September – Bristol Airport has granted more than £145,000 so far this year to local community projects around the airport via its environmental improvement fund.
24th September – British Airways has axed plans to launch a new LCC business at London Gatwick. They only announced the plans a month ago.
25th September – Bristol Airport’s expansion plans lose WECA support.
25th September – Gatwick set to become centre of fierce battle between airlines as BA axes short-haul flights from airport – see here.
28th September – More airlines relocate to Manchester Airport’s new-look terminal. KLM and Air France become the latest carriers to move to the facility.
29th September – Bristol Airport introduces electric airside bus. This is part of its sustainability plans to achieve net zero emissions by 2030.
30th September – Jet Blue operates its first flight to Gatwick. It connects with New York.
30th September – Esken confirms no Southend flights over winter. The group formerly known as Stobart has delayed these until Spring 2022 in an effort to save money.
Other Aviation Industry News
1st September – Scotland’s first planning consultancy for airport safety zones begins – see here.
2nd September – IATA reports positive global cargo figures – see here.
2nd September – An article in Simple Flying titled: ‘Can Airports Afford To Transition From Fossil Fuels?’ can be seen here.
3rd September – Knock Airport shows positive signs of recovery from pandemic. 70% of the route network is now restored.
3rd September – An analysis in Airport Technology titled: ‘Airports seek to avoid summer of strikes’ looks at airport workers plans to fight job/salary cuts as a result of the pandemic.
3rd September – DfT investigates young people’s perception of aviation in new report. It was published on 31 August – see also here.
3rd September – An article in Airport World titled: ‘Why the aviation industry cannot revert to its pre-pandemic ways’ is here.
6th September – Aviation Minister makes statement to say ICCAN will be wound up by the end of this month. Its responsibilities will be transferred to the CAA. A large number of community groups at airports, for people negatively affected by aircraft noise, have written to the Aviation Minister, Robert Courts – see here for further details and to see their letter.
6th September – Government publishes document which provides the SoS’s decision on whether it is appropriate to review the Airports National Policy Statement in response to a number of review requests from external stakeholders. See here.
7th September – An article in Airport Technology titled: ‘European Commission aviation pollution tax proposal fuels debate’ can be seen here.
7th September – An interesting article in Simple Flying titled: ‘The Challenges Of Flying Into London City Airport – A Pilot’s Perspective’ can be seen here.
8th September – Irish airports are reporting a steady return of air traffic and passenger numbers since restrictions on non-essential travel were lifted in July.
8th September – Aberdeen and Glasgow airports commended by CAA for their C-19 safety procedures – see here.
8th September – Ryanair chief says British airports will struggle to cope this Christmas. He blames Brexit border controls and Covid-19.
9th September – Multi-million euro revamp of Cork Airport to get underway.
9th September – Latest figures show signs of travel recovery and number of new countries launch e-visas – see here.
10th September – Transport Committee launches an inquiry to plot the aviation sector’s route to recovery – details can be seen here.
12th September – Jersey Airport passenger numbers at 65% of pre-Covid levels.
12th September – An article in the Irish Independent titled: ‘Business travellers fasten their seatbelts for a bumpy ride’ can be seen here.
13th September – ‘No fly’ zone at Cork Airport as it embarks on €40m makeover.
14th September – Dublin Airport passenger numbers rise in July as summer holidays return. Numbers passing through the airport increased by 125% month on month from June to July.
15th September – Researchers say new system could prevent repeat of Gatwick drone chaos in 2018. They say a combination of statistical techniques and radar data makes it possible to forecast whether a drone intends to enter restricted airspace. More information is here.
15th September – A new strategy setting out how Kent County Council and its partners aim to eliminate deaths on Kent’s roads by 2050 has been revealed at Manston Airport.
15th September – British Airways flew its first ever passenger flight powered directly by sustainable aviation fuel.
16th September – UK start-up Urban-Air Port has partnered with automaker Hyundai to build 65 mini airports worldwide – see here and here.
16th September – Lord Frost’s statement on Brexit opportunities including reaffirming commitments to a host of reforms to bolster the UK’s General Aviation sector can be seen here. More detailed information and reaction from Aviation Minister can be seen here.
17th September – Bus service route between Aberdeen Airport and city to go fully electric.
17th September – ACI Europe downplays talk of recovery despite year-on-year traffic increase in July.
17th September – A Moodie Davitt article titled: ‘Airport commercial contracts may increase in duration and flexibility in COVID-hit world, finds Kinetic survey’ is here.
20th September – DAA warns final ruling on new runway restrictions could drift to 2024. Even if decision goes in operator’s favour, runway could be at reduced capacity until 2025.
20th September – An article in Engineering Live titled: ‘How to predict drone movements’ can be seen here.
20th September – An article titled: ‘Why Do Some Airports Have Night Flight Curfews?’ can be seen here.
20th September – Cuts in corporate travel budgets could offer opportunity to airports, says Airport Dimensions – see here.
21st September – An article titled: ‘Delivering an efficient and sustainable air traffic flow’ can be seen here.
21st September – Airbus, Air Liquide and Vinci Airports in partnership to promote use of hydrogen. They aim to build the European airport network to accommodate future hydrogen aircraft.
22nd September – Glasgow Prestwick Airport strikes Spaceport deal.
23rd September – No Scottish government minister has visited Edinburgh Airport to discuss the pandemic says airport’s CEO.
23rd September – An article in Air International titled: ‘How airports can manage the ‘tidal wave’ of COVID-19 documentation’ can be seen here.
23rd September – See article here which highlights sustainable finance technology for next month’s COP26 to think about.
23 September – World Economic Forum says that 60 companies are committed to take global sustainable aviation fuel supply to 10% by 2030.
25th September – Blue Islands announces new services from Jersey to Dublin and Norwich in summer 2022 – see here.
26th September – An article in the Scottish Herald titled: ‘5,000 aviation jobs lost – while £1.2bn public money spent saving buses, trains & Scot Gov airports’ can be seen here.
27th September – Property/construction consultants say airport sector recovery will start to happen in 2023.
28th September – ACI World publishes guide for incorporating sustainability into airport recovery plans. It’s called the ACI World Sustainable Recovery Best Practice guidance.
28th September – TotalEnergies and Safran join forces in aviation decarbonisation drive.
28th September – DfT launches its consultation ‘Future of Transport Regulatory Review: Future of Flight’ which focuses on aviation and air cargo.
29th September – TSC issues a new report on the Government’s ‘levelling up’ policy – see here.
29th September – Government scheme to fund projects aimed at supporting UK airports handle new types of electric and hydrogen aircraft has seen 15 initiatives receive a share of a £700,000 pot – see here.
30th September – See an article in Airport Technology titled: ‘Flying towards a carbon neutral future: Solutions from SITA’.
SASIG Library Additions
The independent review into the Independent Commission for Civil Aviation Noise (ICCAN) published this month can be seen here and on our website.
SASIG’s response to the Government’s ‘Achieving Net Zero Aviation by 2050’ consultation can be seen here.
A presentation by our guest speaker, John Stewart, ex-Chair of HACAN can be seen here.