Why improving airspace management matters for businesses

Interest is growing in the issue of airspace modernisation, with organisations considering how improved airspace management could be good for business and the planet.

The Airspace Change Organising Group (ACOG), part of the National Air Traffic Service (NATS), for example, have commissioned new research into wider perceptions of airspace modernisation, and the CBI has to ensure that feedback from industry plays a key part in this.

Business is clear that there could be enormous benefits from using new computer and satellite technology in airspace management. This includes cutting flight costs and emissions by reducing the amount of time aircraft spend in the air over the UK.

Ahead of further discussions about changing how flight paths are planned, the CBI is keen to impress the importance of putting business’ needs first. It has been over 50 years since UK airspace was first designed and much of the system in use today doesn’t factor in the significant efficiencies that can be made using the latest Performance Based Navigation (PBN) technology. CBI members that depend on flights through UK airspace are at risk of being at a competitive disadvantage to businesses based in other countries.

Airspace modernisation will play an important role in reducing emissions from aviation

Changes to the way we map out airspace could save between 9% and 14% of all the carbon emissions released by aircraft over the UK by 2050. Through using intelligent planning to reconsider how flights travel over the country, major cuts can be made to aircraft stacking and wait times over airports, significantly reducing the amount of fuel burnt. At a time when CBI members are investing heavily in efforts to ensure sustainable growth for the sector, these simple changes could make a dramatic difference, and at a cost benefit to all involved.

The CBI sees airspace modernisation as a statement of intent from whichever government will win the election that it takes the UK’s decarbonisation pledges seriously. Ahead of hosting the UN Climate Change Conference (Cop26) in Glasgow next year, redesigning flight zones using available technology to re-form its airspace will put the UK at the forefront of worldwide efforts to decarbonise aviation. As a result, British businesses will be able to export the expertise they will gain from the exercise, and also create more high-skilled jobs in the UK.

Changes to airspace will be essential to the UK maintaining ‘hub status’

Without airspace modernisation, UK airports won’t be able to cope with the expected growth of incoming flights in the years to come. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) estimates that by 2030, there will be over 3.25 million flights in UK airspace each year - 1 million more than in 2015. Using the current airspace model, over one third of these flights are expected to be delayed by at least half an hour.

This will have a noticeable effect on the wider economy as international carriers may look to avoid UK airspace, reducing this country’s attractiveness as a place to do business.

Ultimately, if airspace modernisation is carried out in the best interest of commercial aviation it can help ensure the UK maintains its status as a hub for both international business and aviation.

We will continue to ensure that your views are at the heart of the debate on airspace modernisation, and call for changes that will reduce aviation emissions, increase UK competitiveness, and boost exports.

We’re also keen to hear further members views on this topic. In particular, we would be keen to hear what benefits, or challenges, your business might face from these changes. Please contact Freddie Hopkinson if this is of interest.