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Dave

UK airspace modernisation to deliver faster, cleaner flights and reduce travel disruptions

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The UK government has launched a consultation on the largest reform to airspace design in 70 years, aimed at reducing flight delays, cutting emissions and supporting economic growth by modernising UK airspace.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has unveiled plans to establish a UK Airspace Design Service, a dedicated team of aviation experts tasked with updating the way planes fly in and out of the UK, starting with London’s congested airspace.

By upgrading these “highways of the sky”, the government aims to reduce bottlenecks, improve efficiency, and enhance sustainability.

The consultation, open until 17 December 2024, seeks views on how to modernise UK airspace, a key manifesto commitment. The DfT and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) are exploring how the proposed UK Airspace Design Service could deliver significant improvements, such as shorter flight routes, fewer delays and reduced noise pollution.

With over 2.6 million flights passing through UK airspace each year, the need for modernisation is clear. A particularly busy July saw over 8,239 flights on some days, putting a strain on outdated systems designed in the 1950s.

Mike Kane, Minister for Aviation, highlighted the need for modernisation:

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.

Modernisation will leverage advanced navigation technologies, reducing the need for planes to hold in the air and allowing more continuous climb and descent paths. London – the UK’s busiest airspace region – is a focal point for these reforms due to its impact on the rest of the country.

Rob Bishton, Chief Executive of the CAA, added:

Modernising our airspace is crucial to delivering a more efficient, sustainable and resilient system. The proposals we’ve outlined today set out the next steps in our ongoing efforts to progress the modernisation of UK airspace.

This reform will align with the government’s commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, aided by reductions in the time aircraft spend in the air. The airspace updates will also complement other sustainability initiatives, such as the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, commented on the benefits for business travellers:

The modernisation of UK airspace promises to transform the experience for business travellers, making flights quicker, quieter and greener. UK-based businesses can look forward to more efficient journeys, fewer delays, and a reduced environmental footprint.

The consultation represents an opportunity for stakeholders, including passengers, airlines, and local communities, to shape the future of air travel in the UK. Martin Rolfe, CEO of NATS, welcomed the initiative:

Any initiative that can help speed up the modernisation programme for UK airspace is very welcome, especially in London and the South East. This is the next big step in modernising UK airspace following the work we have already completed in other parts of the country.

With strong support from the aviation industry, including AirportsUK and Airlines UK, the government is positioning the UK as a global leader in airspace modernisation. Karen Dee, Chief Executive of AirportsUK, said the move “marks a positive step forward” and demonstrates the UK’s commitment to staying at the forefront of aviation technology.

You can respond to the consultation from 9am on 22 October until 11:59pm on 17 December 2024.

Dave

Heathrow Airport sees 40 years’ worth of growth in four months

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In a sign of the recovery of UK aviation, nearly 6 million passengers travelled through Heathrow in June, totalling 25 million passengers in the first six months of the year.

The unprecedented growth in passenger numbers over the last four months matches what took place over the last 40 years.

Heathrow re-started recruiting in November 2021 in anticipation of capacity recovering in the Summer of 2022. By the end of July the airport will have as many people working in security as there were pre-pandemic. The airport has also reopened Terminal 4 to provide more space for passengers.  

Rebuilding capacity quickly is very challenging after the significant reductions in resource across the entire aviation supply chain. Arrivals punctuality is very low as a result of delays at other airports and airspace congestion across Europe and this has compounded the challenge of resource constraints for the airport, airlines, ground handlers and government agencies.

In spite of this, the airport claims to have been able to provide a good level of service for the vast majority of passengers. However, despite its ‘best efforts’ there have been periods in recent weeks, where service levels have not been acceptable, with long queue times, delays for passengers with reduced mobility, bags not travelling with passengers or arriving late. The airport has stated it wants to apologise to passengers affected by this.

The airport spokesman told us:

In June, the DfT and CAA asked the aviation sector to review summer schedules, including implementing a ‘slot amnesty’ to encourage airlines to remove flights without penalty that will minimise further disruption for passengers over the summer getaway. Our number one priority at Heathrow is giving passengers a safe and reliable journey. We will carefully assess if airlines’ reviewed schedule changes will help achieve that.

Many people will not have travelled in some time. Passengers can help prepare for their journeys by ensuring they arrive at Heathrow no earlier than 3 hours before their flights, that they have their liquids less than 100ml packed in a clear, resealable 1L bag and remove their large electronic items from their bags prior to security checkpoints.

We are assessing the CAA’s latest analysis for the H7 regulatory period and will comment in due course.

Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye said:

Last month, we saw exponential growth in passenger numbers as nearly six million people got away – the equivalent of 40 years of growth in just four months. I am very proud of the way that our team is rising to the challenge of growth, and giving excellent service to the vast majority of passengers. However, we have already seen times recently when demand exceeds the capacity of the airport, airlines and ground handlers.

We will review the schedule changes that airlines have submitted in response to the government’s requirement to minimise disruption for passengers this summer and will ask them to take further action if necessary. We want everyone who is travelling through Heathrow to be confident that they will have a safe and reliable journey.

Dave

High value business travel exempt from quarantine in England

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The UK Government has announced a new “business travel” exemption from the normal quarantine rules.  From tomorrow morning, certain passengers travelling to or through countries which are not on the safe travel corridor list will no longer be required to self-isolate on return to England. 

The Department for Transport explained:

Individuals undertaking specific business activity which would deliver a significant benefit to the UK economy – including activity that creates or preserves 50+ UK jobs – will no longer need to self-isolate when travelling or returning from non-exempt countries. Individuals will only be exempt when undertaking the specific business activity and will only be able to meet with others as required by that specific activity.

We understand that the exemption will apply to senior company executives, such as directors or their equivalents, either returning or travelling to England who can deliver ‘significant’ economic benefit (e.g. work that creates or preserves 50 or more jobs for either an existing UK-based business or a new UK business, within one year of the passenger’s arrival). They will only qualify for the exemption if their work requires them to be there in person.

The DfT added

Exemptions will also come into force at the same time for domestic and international performing arts professionals, TV production staff, journalists and recently signed elite sportspersons, ensuring that industries which require specific, high-talent individuals who rely on international connections can continue to complete their work.

If you are planning overseas trips and have any questions with regards to this exemption, or the self-isolation process in general, please contact me or my team.  We will be happy to help.

Dave

New Guidance for Passengers published

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The Department for Transport has published new aviation guidance, setting out measures operators should put in place to protect staff and passengers.

Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Transport

The guidance, produced by the government’s International Aviation Taskforce, in collaboration with the industry, also provides advice for passengers on how to travel safely and on how to follow social distancing measures at each stage of their journey.

The guidance focuses extensively on the health and safety of passengers and staff and in line with international best practice, is the culmination of an extensive programme of engagement between the government, aviation industry and public health experts. It outlines a framework for the industry to operate from once travel restrictions are lifted and when it is safe to do so, helping to restore jobs, trade, and opportunities for travel.

The guidance to passengers covers all aspects of the travel experience, from checking the public health requirements before booking a flight, to navigating the airport safely and boarding the flight or leaving the airport.

Grant Shapps, said:

[The] guidance is a positive next step towards ensuring a safer and more sustainable aviation sector. The government’s advice currently remains to avoid all non-essential travel, but today we are taking the necessary steps to ensure a framework is in place for the aviation industry to bounce back when it is safe for restrictions on travel to be lifted.

Tim Hawkins said:

Tim Hawkins, Chief Strategy Officer of Manchester Airports Group

This new guidance provides the basis for the restart and recovery of the UK aviation industry – it offers clear information for us, our passengers and our airlines on the steps needed to create a safe travel experience.

The guidance is the result of strong collaboration between government and the aviation industry, drawing on advice from independent medical and scientific experts who have looked specifically at what safety measures are needed at each stage of the travel process.

With similar protocols being adopted in other countries, and a targeted approach to reopening travel to low-risk countries, we will have the elements in place to get our economy moving again and protect jobs throughout the whole aviation supply chain.

Practical advice includes wearing face coverings when in the airport, washing hands regularly after touching any surfaces, checking in all baggage including hand luggage, and remaining seated as much as possible during the flight.

The guidance to operators will also support staff by promoting safe practices and workplaces. This includes extensive cleaning of aircraft, increasing the availability of handwashing and hand sanitiser facilities, reducing face-to-face interactions with passengers, and introducing protocols for symptomatic passengers and staff.

The guidance to passengers is available to read, here.