Airspace modernisation plans are pushing ahead in spite of the impact from Covid-19 pandemic.

The Airspace Change Organising Group (ACOG) has published a new report Remobilising Airspace Change, which highlights the impact of Covid-19 on the current airspace modernisation programme and sets out key recommendations to remobilise the national programme of airspace change.

The report demonstrates the severe impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on the industry, and in particular, UK airports’ ability to take forward the national programme of airspace change. It highlights that a shortage of funding and uncertainty surrounding the programme is putting at risk the national benefits that upgrading the UK’s airspace will deliver.

“The UK’s airspace is a crucial part of this country’s transport infrastructure. Just like our roads and railways, it must be upgraded to keep people and goods moving as efficiently and reliably as possible,” said Mark Swan, Head of ACOG.

In a joint statement the Department for Transport (DfT) and the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) say that they are  acutely aware of the effect that the pandemic is having on the sector and its ability to progress airspace changes to original plans. The ACOG report is timely and welcome.

www.acog.aero