New UK flight paths proposed
Air traffic routes across London and southern and eastern England may be overhauled by Spring 2009, if planned changes go ahead.
National Air Traffic Services (NATS) manages air traffic across the UK and is proposing the changes in order to improve safety, reduce delays, improve environmental performance and introduce updated navigation technology.
The Terminal Control North airspace region is home to around 12 million people and some of the UK's busiest airports, which have grown significantly in the last 20 years. Heathrow, Luton, London City, Northolt and Stansted airports are all affected by the proposals.
A key point is the diversion of low flights from built-up areas. The NATS proposal states, "We have aimed to minimise the number of low flights over more densely populated areas. We have introduced continuous descent approaches to reduce noise and emissions, and we have sought to enable more efficient flight profiles.
Designs always need to achieve a balance. Routeing aircraft away from towns means they fly further and increase their emissions; flying more direct routes reduces emissions but may be noisier for more people on the ground."
NATS began a 13 week consultation process today which will run until 22 May 2008. NATS is seeking feedback before submitting the proposal to the Civil Aviation Authority for a decision. People and organisations who feel they may be affected can read the proposals and consultation document online and respond. A report on this feedback will be published on the NATS website by 22 June 2008.
This year NATS expects to handle more than 2.4 million flights carrying over 220 million passengers.
Written by: Maxine Clarke
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