The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority has launched a seven year program to modernise the country’s airspace.
Coordinated by the Civil Aviation Authority CAA, the entire scheme targets 2040 to create a “motorway of the skies” and calls for industry support to aid the process.
The aviation and aerospace regulator has published its “Airspace Modernisation Strategy, Part 3: Deployment Plan”, heralding it as a “significant milestone” and “once-in-a-generation work”.
The CAA launched the 2040 plan in January 2023.
The Deployment Plan details projects that are ongoing or commencing within the next two years and activities that will need to be delivered by the industry. It also provides an overview of further scoped work to take place over the subsequent five years.
This includes projects looking at how new airspace users, such as drones and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, can fly safely in the same airspace as other aircraft. It also includes work looking at the services needed to support all airspace users and the technology that needs to be developed for aircraft to detect and avoid each other.
Rob Bishton, CEO of the CAA said, "Overhauling our airspace is a long-term and complex endeavour, requiring concerted efforts and collaboration from the aerospace industry. It is key to enabling new and innovative technologies to thrive in UK aerospace.
“Our delivery plan sets out the main priorities for the coming years, providing a framework for co-ordinated action and accountability.
"It not only outlines our strategic priorities, but also is a blueprint for industry to engage and contribute towards the vision of a modernised airspace for the UK."
UK Aviation Minister Mike Kane said, “The world of aviation is undergoing a technological revolution and our airspace must evolve alongside this.
“The Civil Aviation Authority’s plan to modernise our airspace will help ease delays, and support efforts to decarbonise and reduce noise. Through continued collaboration with industry, this plan will ensure these innovations are safely and effectively integrated into our skies.”
‘We have an analogue airspace in a digital age designed nearer a time Yuri Gagarin reached for the stars. The moment for change is now…’
The CAA said it will partner with the Airspace Change Organising Group (ACOG), the UK’s Ministry of Defence, and NATS to achieve the modernisation plan.