London City has applied for permission for Airbus A320neos to operate from the airport to open up more routes.
If approved by the Civil Aviation Authority, the aircraft would also allow the Docklands airport to handle more passengers with fewer flights.
Last August, the Government approved London City’s plans to increase its annual passenger cap from 6.5 million to nine million by 2031, but without any increase in flights.
The airport said the introduction of the A320neo, which can carry more than 180 passengers, was ‘key to building its leisure offering’.
Currently, the 146-seat Embraer 195-E2 is the largest aircraft with permission to fly in and out of London City.
In addition to being larger than existing aircraft at London City, the A320neo is also able to fly more than 1,000 kilmetres to large parts of mainland Europe.
London City has asked the CAA to approve a new flight procedure, which would alter the approach angle for this aircraft at each runway end.
The current approach angle limits the type of aircraft that use the airport to those that can be certified for a steep approach.
CEO Alison FitzGerald said: “The potential introduction of the A320neo aircraft at London City Airport is incredibly exciting.
“It would broaden the range of leisure destinations for our passengers, enable growth without increasing the number of flight movements, deliver much needed economic growth and accelerate refleeting to cleaner, quieter, new generation aircraft.”
The airport pointed out that the A320neo is more fuel efficient, more environmentally friendly and quieter than older aircraft.
