This week changes were laid in Parliament enabling a major redesign of UK airspace, with the stated aims of increasing capacity alongside reducing emissions per flight and the impact of noise. Announcing the changes, UK Government stated "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 initial focus will be on redesigning London’s airspace, and over a longer timeframe. A new UK Airspace Design Service (UKADS) will be fully operational by the end of 2025 and will be run by NATS (En Route) plc (NERL). The UKADS could design routes supporting flight paths for emerging technologies such as drones and flying taxis. Heathrow’s Chief Operating Officer, Javier Echave, said: "As the UK’s gateway to growth, we are committed to continue working with the government to unlock the economic benefits of an expanded UK airspace, while cutting carbon and noise impacts."
