It’s time for another update…
Work continues since last covering this subject in February 2024, so here’s a recap on what’s involved.
UK airspace was designed over 70 years ago, when LHR had just 30 to 50 flights per day, GLA only operating as a RAF base and LCY didn't even exist. With rapid traffic growth, airspace modernisation is crucial. Modernising our airspace will mean the UK can continue to take advantage of the jobs, tourism spend, cargo and travel benefits that aviation provides. On 15 July, NATS recorded its busiest day since 2019. With a continuing demand for air travel now and in the future, it's crucial the airspace is upgraded to make our skies work more efficiently.
So, what progress has been made so far?
The Scottish cluster of airports will be the first to make their changes. GLA and EDI responsible for changes below 7000ft, while NATS takes charge of the high-level changes above 7000ft. Significant progress achieved with the first application of the Cumulative Analysis Framework (CAF) to identify design conflicts, air traffic control simulations of the revised design to validate proposed routes and conducting a Public Engagement Exercise.
Working closely with NATS to agree an end-to-end process for the implementation of the London and South East cluster in phased deployments and conducting a Public Engagement Exercise for the one known as London Airspace South.
Both MAN and LPL passed the CAA’s Stage 2 Gateway, with the overall MAN cluster progressing to a point where an air traffic control simulation could be delivered.
Working with the West cluster, to agree a revised development following the withdrawal of CWL from the Programme.
Progress was also made in several areas including -
A comprehensive review of the Programme’s governance undertaken, leading to closer collaboration with the co-sponsors
Creation of the ACOG Benefit Strategy that lays out the approach to measuring the impacts (both positive and negative) of Masterplan-related airspace changes at a cluster and national level
Continued engagement with relevant MPs and communication with the general public through both focus groups and online channels.
For the remainder of 2024 and into 2025, there are just too many targets to mention individually. However, significant progress should be made on achieving key milestones in the project. Throughout, public engagement is key to assessing the impact of airspace modernisation on those living close to airports.
As with a project of this magnitude, there are many people and processes involved. These are laid out in the 2023/2024 Annual Report available at https://s3-eu-west-amazonaws .com/assets.acog.aero/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ACOG_Annual_Report_23_Final.pdf
Social media news…
MenTourPilot – for anyone who is unfamiliar with this YouTube channel, Captain Petter provides an amazing amount of information and investigates accidents/incidents. As a result, he’s achieved over 2m subscribers. He now wants to open a Patreon channel, target 4000 subscribers. You may ask how he managed to do all this and still fly? In a recent surprising announcement, he’s decided to step back from flying for a while, to concentrate on social media activities. In a recent video, he revealed how many people around the world work for him to ensure content is accurate, informative and attractive to his audience.
SDTV – not all YT streamers are doing it for the number of likes and therefore revenue. Near to where Chris streams at LCY, is a college campus running aviation courses. On several occasions, he’s been asked to address students and his videos used in their lessons. Just recently, he talked to new students at the LHR Aviation Generation Academy. He feels privileged that what started as purely a hobby, is now helping a future generation enjoy aviation, either as a career or leisure activity.
And finally…
KLM – took delivery of their first A321neo in August. Has anyone spotted it yet? Did you know that Airbus hand over keys with every new aircraft, although they are never used to start it. Also, the airline receives the promotional display material seen in their press releases…
BA – having enjoyed various sectors to the Med this year, it’s now time for pilots to turn their attention to cold weather training. December 2024’s programme is based in Norway. Here’s hoping the airport in question gets its webcam working soon, or we may be relying solely on one of their Captains to provide photos…
Information courtesy of ACOG, Airbus, Twitter/X
Images courtesy of Patreon, Airbus Newsroom
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