• NATS launches consultation on proposals to switch flights between two existing departure routes at Stansted Airport – reducing the use of one and increasing the use of another

• Proposal fits into wider programme of change to modernise the air route system in the south east

• No new routes are being proposed and use of other routes remains unchanged

NATS, the UK’s leading provider of air traffic services, launches a 12-week consultation today on a proposal to change the use of the existing routes for departures to the east and south of Stansted Airport. No new routes are proposed, only different usage of the existing routes.

The proposed changes are key to achieving network efficiency and reducing delays in the south and are an important part of the London Airspace Management Programme, NATS’ wider programme to modernise the air route system over London and the south east. This is essential for the delivery of the Future Airspace Strategy (FAS), the Civil Aviation Authority’s blueprint for modernising airspace by 2020.

This proposal aims to direct the majority of daytime flights from Stansted that currently fly on a route heading south from the airport, onto the existing route heading to the east. This is in order to avoid Heathrow traffic congestion, which currently keeps aircraft low, often below 7,000ft until the Thames Estuary and sometimes well into Kent.

Switching daytime traffic from the south to the east departure route will allow the flights to climb continuously, reducing CO₂ emissions and overall noise. It will eliminate regular daytime departures for a large area to the south of the airport, but in doing so would double the number of flights on the existing route to the east.

Whilst the driver for change is around network performance, there are local efficiency benefits too and the consultation is being supported by Stansted Airport.

The consultation is primarily through the airport’s consultative committee and engagement is open to the public to respond via www.nats.aero/lampstansted.

Paul Haskins, General Manager of London Terminal Control, NATS, said: “At the moment, departures from Stansted heading towards the south east are kept lower for longer when compared to the route heading east because of Heathrow arrivals. Moving the majority of departure flights from one route to another will improve the flow of aircraft around the London system and greatly increase the efficiency of the airport’s operation.

“Air traffic is increasing and modern aircraft are far more efficient nowadays so we need to modernise the airspace to match aircraft capability. This proposed change, together with those being consulted on at other London airports, is vital if we are to enable the success of the UK’s FAS.”

Chris Wiggan, Stansted Airport’s Head of Public Affairs, said: “We recognise the importance of NATS’ London Airspace Management Programme (LAMP) that aims to re-design the airspace around London in order to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impacts. We welcome the NATS-led consultation on the proposed airspace changes relating to Stansted which will enable people to find out more and give their views on the plans. The safe and efficient management of airspace in the south-east of England is an important issue and the consultation will provide an opportunity for people to play a full and active part in the process.”