Systemisation will become a defining feature of how aircraft navigate the skies, bringing greater predictability, improved efficiency and better use of the UK’s busy airspace.

As aviation demands grow, parts of the UK’s airspace are operating beyond what they were designed to accommodate. With some airspace routes dating back to the 1950s, airspace modernisation is increasingly important. The UK Airspace Design Service (UKADS) has been established to help deliver that change.

Net Zero Week is an opportunity to highlight the many ways the aviation industry is working towards net zero emissions by 2050. While much of the conversation focuses on sustainable aviation fuels and the next generation of aircraft, one of the most effective ways to reduce emissions is already happening today – by making better use of the skies above us.

Air Traffic Controllers, or ATCOs, are closely involved in every stage of airspace change. Their operational insight is critical from the outset, highlighting risks and challenges early in the process. They then work alongside airspace modernisation teams to develop practical, innovative designs grounded in both data and real-world controlling experience.

Ian Jopson, Sustainability Director at NATS reflects on Sustainable Skies World Summit 2026, where he presented to industry attendees on the role airspace modernisation and non-CO₂ contribute to shaping the future of sustainable air travel.

FRA is a cornerstone of the UK’s Airspace Modernisation Strategy and one of several operational transformations being deployed by NATS to update the airspace.

Changing the UK’s airspace is a meticulous process that requires significant planning. It cannot be done quickly, and every step is shaped by requirements from the Department for Transport (DfT) and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). These regulations ensure that changes remain safe and fair, while supporting wider sector goals such as emissions reduction, management of noise impact and capacity growth.  

On the latest episode of Altitude, our expert panel explored the progress made in aviation sustainability and the challenges that remain. Their insights revealed a mix of optimism, determination, and a clear commitment to a more sustainable future. The key question: are we doing enough to shift the trajectory?

Our series of data visualisation videos showcase the complex role of air traffic control and the impressive work our controllers do to juggle the demands and challenges of our skies every day.

In this blog, Rich Crooks, Manager Airspace Delivery, explains how NATS is progressing the path to modernise UK airspace.