London City Airport today shared that it has launched a 10-week public consultation regarding how it can meet passenger demand ahead of a substantially busy chapter. As part of its plans, the airport is looking for greater flexibility on Saturday afternoon and evening operations, along with more freedom in the early morning and late evening services.
More flight hours
City Airport is expecting three million passengers this year and is expecting to a reach pre-COVID figure of five million as soon as 2024. Unlike other London-area airports, it is centered near the middle of Greater London, off the River Thames. It's just six miles east of the City of London, located in the Royal Docks in Newham. This setting has led to stringent rules imposed to limit noise from aircraft.
Even before the pandemic, the airport was looking to increase the number of flights to keep up with demand. It targets growth to nine million passengers a year without additional infrastructure work. However, there is a requirement for leniency on flight hours.
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Environmental considerations
City Airport wants permission to allow flights on Saturday afternoon and evening. It also seeks flexibility between 06:30 and 07:30, and 22:00 and 22:30. Yet, it understands that expansion would need to consider environmental and social factors.
Therefore, the airport expresses that it targets to achieve 80% of its flights to and from the site by sustainable transport modes with no extra parking proposed. Moreover, the airport has shared its commitment to utilizing efficient new-generation planes.
City Airport’s Chief Executive Officer Robert Sinclair shared the following in a statement:
“London City Airport plays an incredibly important role in quickly and easily connecting London to the rest of the UK and the world for both business and leisure travel. The strength of our rebound demonstrates the huge pent-up demand for air travel and the need to plan responsibly for the future.”
He added that following the airport’s commitment to the first London net-zero airport by 2030, these proposals set out how the site and its carriers can meet future demand sustainably. Notably, it would boost investment in cleaner and quieter modern jets.
Airline potential
British Airways, which has a significant presence at the airport also noted its observations. The company would undoubtedly be keeping an eye on progress in this field.
British Airways CityFlyer CEO Tom Stoddart added:
“We welcome these proposals, which will provide more choice and flexibility for our customers, increase local jobs and help to drive London’s economic recovery. At British Airways, we remain focused on a sustainable future and these proposals put sustainability at the forefront of change at London City.”
The Airbus A220 and Embraer E2 were touted by City Airport in today's statement. British Airways primarily deploys Embraer E190 aircraft to the airport. This type first arrived in the airline's fleet in 2019, but deliveries have continued until as late as last year. The average age of these planes is 11 years, and they aren't as efficient as the aforementioned models.
Thus, if City Airport has its wishes granted, the E2 would be a natural successor for BA. The plane is a re-engined model of the E190. Pratt & Whitney PurePower Geared Turbofan engines replaced the General Electric units, offering a 17.3% improvement in fuel consumption. Embraer claims that the E2 would become the most environmentally friendly plane in its segment, providing the lowest level of external noise and emissions.
The also efficient A220 has become a fan favorite since its introduction with SWISS in 2017. This airline already operates the A220 at City Airport, flying to the likes of Zurich and Geneva from the UK’s capital.
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Looking ahead
So, there is room for development when it comes to sustainable expansion at City Airport. However, there will undoubtedly be concern and opposition. It’s crucial that all socioenvironmental factors are discussed and worked out during this 10-week consultation.
What are your thoughts about London City Airport beginning a 10-week consultation on changes to its current planning permission? What do you make of the overall situation? Let us know what you think in the comment section.