Contribution
I thank the noble Lord for his intervention. I will write further on what we can say about the projected timescales of conclusion. It is enough to note for now that this work is extraordinarily complex, particularly since we are seeking to address the airspace around London, which is one of the world’s most congested spaces. I will write to all noble Lords on what we currently envisage the timescales of this to be, so far as we can estimate them.
I was delighted to hear that the noble Baroness, Lady Pidgeon, also welcomes this statutory instrument. In respect of local communities, which are clearly very important, aircraft noise is a considerable issue in some communities. I should declare my interest in that I live in Richmond, so I am familiar with the circumstances of this—although I have got used to it, as I did when I lived in Hayes and Ealing when I was growing up.
The first thing to say is that modernisation is expected to benefit those who use and are affected by UK airspace, including residents living near airports. The UK ADS will progress airspace change proposals through the CAA’s CAP1616 airspace change process, as current sponsors do now. This includes requirements to engage with local communities and to factor in environmental considerations. Airports will continue to play an important role in strengthening community relationships by working in partnership with the UK ADS to deliver consultations and to ensure that local voices are meaningfully represented. The CAA and the department expect, by the September of this year, to consult on a package of changes that will make the process for airspace design decisions more proportionate. People affected by airspace change will continue to have a say and any changes will retain the important principles of a transparent, evidence-based process.
Airspace modernisation is expected to result in a further reduction in the average noise levels per flight, as aircraft climbs and descents could become quicker and quieter with route changes that better utilise the capabilities of modern aircraft. Modern technology and navigation systems also make it possible to set much more accurate flight paths, which navigate more accurately around population centres. However, noise impacts will also depend on other factors, such as planning decisions, traffic growth or airline route choices. Airports will still be expected to develop and implement robust noise action plans, which will be subject to oversight and review by my department and the Civil Aviation Authority.
The noble Baroness, Lady Pidgeon, asked whether the new body could be subject to freedom of information requirements. It will be a body in private hands, but the Civil Aviation Authority and the Department for Transport will be subject to FoI requests. She, too, asked about the timescale. I have already said that I will write to noble Lords to make an initial foray into that area.
On the questions raised by the noble Lord, Lord Moylan, and the nature of the charges, in November 2024, the Civil Aviation Authority set out illustrative costs of approximately £20 million per annum. This is broadly equivalent to approximately 2% of the 2024 UK en-route charges paid by airlines—for illustrative purposes, this is approximately £7 per flight or 5p per passenger. The CAA has taken into account feedback received and is currently consulting on detailed proposals for the new charge, with final charges depending on the chosen regulatory model and actual service costs.
The noble Lord asked whether charges will be paid by foreign airlines: they will. They will pay through the existing industry mechanisms, the same as the en-route rate paid for services today. He asked about skills. This is a challenge around the world. UKADS and NERL have skills and facilities in house. We will maintain what we have, and by creating a new guiding mind, we will enable better use of the skills and experience we already have in house. I will write to the noble Lord further about integration with the European system.
I believe I have answered all the points that have been raised, but if there are any further points, I shall be happy to write to noble Lords.
Without these regulations we will not be able to establish the UK Airspace Design Service and deliver the benefits that airspace modernisation can bring. Those measures will help us deliver fewer delays for passengers and quicker, quieter and cleaner flights over the UK. This will lead straight into the Government’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and economic growth. I hope noble Lords will join me in supporting these measures.