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Airspace Modernisation

What is airspace?

Airspace is a three-dimensional piece of sky in which aircraft fly and it forms a critical part of the national infrastructure. Like the road and rail network, it plays a vital role in facilitating the movement of people and products quickly, safely and efficiently, enabling connectivity and driving economic growth. Although the UK has some of the most congested and complex airspace in the world, the way it is managed has changed little since the 1950s.

The Future Airspace Programme at London Stansted Airport forms part of the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA’s) wider Airspace Modernisation Strategy (AMS). Modernising UK airspace has the potential to bring several benefits, including reduced delays, greater reliability, more efficient operations, and the chance to build on the UK’s already world-class aviation safety record. In addition, it presents an opportunity to address some of the wider impacts of aviation such as noise and emissions.

You can find out more about our airspace change programme here.

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Useful websites

The following is a list of useful links for more information about airport operations, airspace compliance, aviation safety and noise in general:

Aviation Acronyms

The aviation industry loves acronyms, where we have used acronyms we have tried to also include its expanded form, however, this may not have always taken place. If you have an acronym that you are unfamiliar with, then the acronym database is a good resource.

Link: Air Navigation Acronym List

The Sky Library

If you want to dig into a wide range of aviation topics you can explore the Skybrary. Initially setup by EURCONTROL, it involves a broad range of industry organisations and takes the form of an online wiki. However the platform has a robust content management and control process to ensure the quality, credibility and consistency of the information.

Link: SkyBrary

The Civil Aviation Authority

The UK’s aviation regulator contains masses of information that may be useful, from operating drones to travel advice. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is the statutory corporation which oversees and regulates all aspects of civil aviation in the United Kingdom. It is a public corporation established by Parliament in 1972 as an independent specialist aviation regulator. One of its four environmental goals is to contribute to a cleaner and quieter aviation industry.

Link: CAA

Link: Airspace Change Portal

NATS

NATS provide air traffic services throughout the UK and are responsible for controlling aircraft in the airspace surrounding London Stansted Airport.

Link: NATS