NATS SAIP AD5: Proposed changes to LAC West to improve ATS route connectivity

Overview

NATS' Swanwick Airspace Improvement Programme (SAIP) is proposing a number of modular airspace changes within the London Flight Information Region (FIR).  This module, SAIP AD5, concerns the development of the following four distinct areas of LAC west airspace:

Birmingham arrivals and departures
We are proposing to establish new ATS Routes and CAS for Birmingham arrivals and departures via the MOSUN area.  There are currently no flight plannable routes to/ from the South-West within CAS, which airlines can use.  These flights have to currently leave CAS and are provided with a Flight Information Service (FIS).

Heathrow inbounds
NATS proposes the provision of an offload route and CAS for Heathrow inbounds, for when the OCK (Ockham) hold is at full capacity.  These flights are currently vectored from the southern flow to the northern flow.  This has occasionally led to extreme traffic loading and complexity within this region, affecting both ATC and pilot workload.

A combined image of the proposed Birmingham and Heathrow changes can be seen below.  Further information can be found in Sections 4.3.1 and 4.3.2 of the Consultation Document which is embedded below.

West End Sector Group high-level ATS Routes

As part of this proposal we are proposing to introduce five new high-level ATS Routes in the West End Sector Group.  These have been designed to reduce fuel uplift/ burn and associated emissions for airlines.
These have been summarised below including a diagram for each.  They can also be viewed in Section 8 of the Consultation Document, embedded below.

1) Q60: realignment and extension of KOPUL - UGNUS.  A westbound route for LTMA overflights which route from Europe/ further East to Ireland/ North Atlantic.  This is shown below.

2) Q60: MORAG - LANON and LANON - UGNUS.  A bi-directional route for LTMA overflights at FL340+ and Dublin arrivals.  This is shown below.

3) N24: extension of PEMOB - NIGIT.  An eastbound route for London FIR overflights at FL285+.  This is shown below.

4) P155: MORAG - XXXXX (awaiting a 5LNC) - HON.  An eastbound route for UK overflights exiting via SOMVA and REDFA.  This is shown below.

5) UL18: GAVGO - DIKAS.  An eastbound route for UK overflight traffic.  This is shown below.

TRA002 boundary

We are also proposing to amend and reclassify the north-west corner of Temporary Restricted Area (TRA) 002, so that Birmingham departures on proposed ATS Route N82 do not need to be tactically vectored.  We have agreed this change with the MoD.
This proposed change can be seen below and is also summarised in Section 4.3.4 of the Consultation Document, embedded below.

An impact assessment indicated these proposed changes would enable an annual saving of 1,806T fuel and 5,743T CO2 in 2020, after implementation.  These environmental benefits are due to more direct routings and therefore less track mileage.

Why your views matter

The changes proposed in this ACP would not change commercial aircraft traffic patterns below 7,000ft.  As covered in the consultation document, the changes could potentially alter some GA traffic patterns outside CAS and below 7,000ft.

As such we are seeking feedback from any stakeholders who may be affected.  As covered in the Consultation Document below, feedback can either be submitted via the online questionnaire or using the following postal address:

NATS Airspace Consultation, Mailbox 11, 4000 Parkway, Whiteley, Fareham, Hampshire, PO15 7FL

We will not commit to respond to postal responses directly; however respondents are welcome to include a stamped envelope if they do require a reply. 

Primarily, respondents are likely to be users of the airspace and aviation stakeholders.  Nonetheless we welcome feedback from any interested parties.

Your feedback on the proposals at this early stage will help us explore the potential impacts of the proposed changes.  We invite considered responses supported by evidence where possible.

Consultation Material  (please download)

Your feedback will be sent to the CAA and will be published after moderation.

What happens next

During consultation we will be gathering feedback from stakeholders and any interested parties.

Respondents can submit feedback via the feedback questionnaire on this portal.  Alternatively respondents can submit a postal response to the consultation, using the following address:

NATS Airspace Consultation, Mailbox 11, 4000 Parkway, Whiteley, Fareham, Hampshire, PO15 7FL 

Responses will be analysed and themed.  Shortly after the consultation finishes we will publish a consultation feedback document, which will summarise the themes and NATS’ response to any issues raised. 

The feedback document will be available for download via the CAA portal.  Any new requirements identified will be considered in the on-going design process.  The ACP will detail the design being submitted and make reference to changes that have been made to take account of consultation feedback.