London City Airport has launched a public consultation for the Airspace Change Proposal (ACP) to enable the operation of larger aircraft, such as the A320neo. The plan would be to introduce an additional 4.49 degree approach rather than the current mandated 5.5 degrees, and does not require changes to existing flight paths.
Assessments by the airport have shown that the arrival of newer aircraft like the A320neo could help to reduce carbon emissions, fuel, and noise exposure, provide an economic benefit, and reduce the number of flights over a 12-year period, while creating up to 4,000 new jobs and attracting new airlines and routes. The ability to operate larger aircraft would also help the airport in reaching its new cap of nine million annual passengers.
“Our proposals would allow us to grow more sustainably by reducing the number of flights and the level of noise people would experience when compared with not making this change. By enabling quieter and more efficient aircraft to operate at London City Airport, we can deliver the benefits of growth while lessening the impact on those who live nearby. […] We want local voices at the heart of this process, and I strongly encourage residents, passengers and partners to take part and share their views.”
However, one study by Aviation Environment Federation has found that the A320neo could increase noise exposure if its popularity encourages a larger fleet of aircraft operating to and from the airport. It also highlights that the noise reduction benefits are “marginal” compared to the E190, and that with a new approach, the A320 could potentially be noisier, stating: “The noise data analysed in this report suggests that the A320neo will be louder than other new generation aircraft at the proposed angles.” The report concluded that “implementing this airspace change could risk increasing the noise impacts of the airport’s operations on the local area,” however it remains to be tested.
The consultation period will run from 2 March to 17 May, with in-person events, online webinars, and access to the full documentation and technical assessments.
Photo: Stuart Bailey
