The Department for Transport (DfT) has launched a consultation on the proposal for a UK Airspace Design Service. This entails a committee of aviation experts working with airports to improve the routes flown by commercial aircraft.
The new body will first start reviewing London’s congested airspace.
It says current airspace management hasn’t changed much since the 1950s.
The DfT believes using more modern navigation tech will increase efficiency.
Aviation minister Mike Kane said: “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.”
“A UK Airspace Design Service will not only drive forward airspace modernisation but it will help create quicker routes, ease delays and reduce harmful emissions.”
Rob Bishton, CEO of the Civil Aviation Authority, said: “Modernising our airspace is crucial to delivering a more efficient, sustainable and resilient system.”
He said the proposals are the ‘next steps’ of a meaningful effort to modernise UK airspace.
“This builds on the important work already done across the industry towards a more streamlined, sustainable airspace system.”
The consultation period runs until December 17
Tags: Aviation Mike Kane, Rob Bishton, Civil Aviation Authority