Enabling benefits through airspace modernisation

Work to modernise airspace across the UK is already under way, aiming to enhance airspace efficiency through more direct routing, optimised flight profiles, and new technologies and operational procedures. These changes are crucial for transforming a network, which was largely designed in the 1950s, into one that meets the needs of today’s aviation industry.

In Scotland, airspace modernisation is being delivered under Scottish Airspace Modernisation, a coordinated change programme led jointly by Edinburgh Airport, Glasgow Airport and NATS.

Below 7,000ft: Edinburgh and Glasgow airports are redesigning arrival and departure routes. At this altitude, the priority is to reduce noise impact for communities on the ground, as outlined in the 2017 Air Navigation Guidance.

Above 7,000ft: NATS is redesigning the higher-level route network with a focus on improving efficiency and reducing emissions.

Why are we changing the skies? 

Airspace modernisation has been UK Government policy since 2018. With sponsorship from the Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority, the programme aims to deliver cleaner, quieter and smarter journeys for future decades.  Redesign of airspace, part of the country’s critical national infrastructure, is a huge undertaking that is many years in the making. It requires input from airspace design specialists and collaboration across government, the military, commercial partners, our international neighbours, communities, airports, airlines, private flyers and more.

The benefits are significant, both on the ground and in the skies. UK aviation needs these changes to futureproof and enable growth while NATS’ goal is to deliver cleaner, quieter, smarter skies. Not only will airspace modernisation introduce new procedures and technologies, but it will also support the industry’s Net Zero 2050 goals.

What benefits will these changes bring to Scottish Airspace Modernisation?

Reduced fuel burn and emissions

Newly designed routes across Scotland will enable a reduction of 18,000 tonnes of CO2e  (‘carbon dioxide equivalent’ takes account of all greenhouse gases) annually.  That’s equivalent to the power used by over 5,000 UK homes.

Less holding and airborne delay

In some instances, aircraft need to ‘hold’ before they land; this could be due poor weather conditions or runway congestion. With the proposed changes, holding is expected to fall by 6%, preventing around 7,000 flights from holding a year between Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Where possible, we’re raising base of the holds, which means some holding patterns will start at a higher altitude and keep aircraft higher for longer, where they are more efficient, and quieter for people living below. In some areas of Scotland, we’ve proposed raising holds by over 42%.

More direct routes

By introducing clearly defined, predictable routes, aircraft can fly straighter paths and require fewer tactical interventions from air traffic controllers. This enables savings of up to 79,000 nautical miles a year across flights, equivalent to flying 3.5 times around the world.

Less flying time

More direct routes mean flights to and from Scotland’s busiest airports will collectively enable savings of around 180 hours  of flying time per year.

Access to airspace

Around 600 cubic nautical miles of controlled airspace below 7,000ft will be released, giving general aviation more flexibility.

Improved arrivals and departures

Improved climb and descent profiles enable aircraft to climb higher quicker and utilise optimised gradients for smoother outbound and inbound flights. Smoother climbs and descents not only improve fuel efficiency but also reduce overall adverse noise impact for communities below.

The public Scottish Airspace Modernisation public consultation is currently live. If you’d like to find out more and have your say, head over to the official Scottish Airspace Modernisation website. You’ll find more information around each sponsors proposed changes, and a postcode tool that will enable you to find out what could be changing in your area.