For the first time since the 1950s, airport modernisation receives support to help make journeys faster, quieter and greener
The UK’s ‘motorways in the sky’ are on track to be redesigned for the first time since the 1950s, thanks to a £5.5 million investment announced today (19 March 2021).
Before the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, there were approximately 7,000 aircraft in UK airspace, dependent on a complex network of routes that allows planes to operate safely.
However, since these flight paths were initially mapped out ecades ago, growing numbers of routes and a surge in demand has resulted in an increase in delays, noise and pollution.
The £5.5 million fund announced today will support airports to develop and evaluate design options aimed at making journeys quicker, quieter and cleaner.
Although national lockdown restrictions remain in place, meaning everyone must stay at home unless travelling for a very limited set of reasons, this work will help the sector build back better and greener from the pandemic.
Aviation Minister Robert Courts said:
Mark Swan, Head of the Airspace Change Organising Group (ACOG), said:
Creating more efficient and streamlined airspace, not only benefits airports and airlines but also the passengers and communities surrounding them, through reduced emissions, lower levels of noise pollution and fewer delays.
The investment has been made available to airports involved in the Airspace Modernisation Strategy to ensure this vital project remains on track, reflecting the government’s commitment to modernising the airways while supporting the aviation sector as we recover from the pandemic.
The government has also put in place one of the most comprehensive packages of business support in the world, pledging around £7 billion for the aviation sector since the start of the pandemic while working to develop a framework for the restart of safe and sustainable international travel.
The Global Travel Taskforce will publish its recommendations next month, with international travel resuming from 17 May at the earliest.