Jet2 has welcomed the UK Government’s plans to undergo the ‘largest redesign of UK airspace’ since it was formed in the 1950s.
The plans, to be set out in Parliament today (2 June), will lead to a more modern airspace that will ‘open up capacity, supporting growth and thousands of jobs in the aviation and tourism sectors’.
Other proposed benefits include quicker flight times in congested areas like London and reduced delays and emissions per flight, which result from aircraft circling airports as they wait to land.
The redesigned ‘skyways’ could also allow planes to climb quicker during take-off and descend more smoothly, reducing noise and air pollution for residents who live along flight routes.
The new UKAirspace Design Service (UKADS) will be fully operational by the end of 2025 and will be run by NATS.
The plans will initially focus on redesigning London’s airspace, with expansion at Heathrow alone expected to create over 100,000 extra jobs.
Additionally, UKADS could also design routes that support flight paths for new and emerging technologies such as drones and flying taxis.
The Department for Transport will work with the Civil Aviation Authority to ensure the new routes are developed.
Aviation Minister, Mike Kane, said: “Redesigned ‘skyways’ will turbocharge growth in the aviation industry, not least by boosting airport expansion plans and supporting job creation, driving millions into the UK economy as part of the Plan for Change.
“Modernising our airspace is also one of the simplest ways to help reduce pollution from flying and will set the industry up for a long-term, sustainable future.”
Jet2 boss Steve Heapy said: “As well as investing in tangible actions to decarbonise our own operations, we have been calling for the modernisation of airspace for years, as it has been proven to be a key driver in achieving CO2 reductions.
“Today’s announcement is excellent news and we are now calling for swift action so that the decarbonisation and passenger experience benefits can be realised as soon as possible.”
