Why Modernise?

Airspace is a crucial part of the UK’s infrastructure, and just like our roads and railways, it must be improved to keep people moving as efficiently as possible.

Today, our skies are busier than ever before with over 2.5 million flights a year passing through the UK’s airspace. Whether it be family holidays, tourism, important business trips or vital cargo transport, air travel has become an increasingly important part in our everyday lives and economy.

However, the benefits of flying are at risk because of increased delays and capacity constraints. This is because much of our airspace was first designed decades ago for use by a fraction of the flights that we see today. Fast forward to 2024, and air travel has grown exponentially and is forecast to increase. Despite this, in many cases, today’s aircraft are still having to use the same outdated routes that are inefficient and reaching capacity.

The good news is that with modern technology and aircraft, we can upgrade the way we use our skies to make things work more efficiently. ACOG has a plan to do just this through the Airspace Change Masterplan. Working with airports, NATS, Government and the UK aviation regulator, we’re helping to piece together the changes needed around the UK main airports to make this a reality.

With an upgraded airspace, the UK will continue to be able to take advantage of the jobs, tourism spend, travel, and cargo benefits that aviation provides, while future growth will be enabled should we need it. It will mean fewer delays for passengers and reduced carbon emissions per flight thanks to more efficient routes.

Together, with partners from across industry and Government, its vital that we find ways to keep momentum in this plan and remove the barriers to progress.