But only for quiet aircraft

London City Airport said today it has launched a 10-week public consultation on how to meet passenger demand ahead of a very busy chapter. As part of its plans, the airline is aiming for greater flexibility in Saturday afternoon and evening operations, as well as more freedom on early morning and late evening flights.

More flight hours

City Airport is expecting three million passengers this year and expects to reach a pre-COVID number of five million as early as 2024. Unlike other Greater London airports, it is close to the center of Greater London, on the River Thames. It is just six miles east of the City of London, in the Royal Docks at Newham. This attitude has led to the imposition of strict regulations to limit aircraft noise.

Even before the pandemic, the airport was trying to increase the number of flights to keep up with demand. It aims to grow to nine million passengers per year without additional infrastructure work. However, there is a demand for leniency in flight hours.

environmental considerations

City Airport wants permission to allow flights on Saturday afternoons and evenings. It is also aiming for flexibility between 06:30 and 07:30 and 22:00 and 22:30. However, it understands that expansion would need to take environmental and social factors into account.

Therefore, the airport expresses that it aims to achieve 80% of its flights to and from the site by sustainable means of transport, without proposing additional parking spaces. In addition, the airport has shared its commitment to deploying efficient new generation aircraft.

City Airport Chief Executive Officer Robert Sinclair shared the following in a statement:

“London City Airport plays an incredibly important role in connecting London to the rest of the UK and the world quickly and easily, for both business and leisure travel. The strength of our recovery 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 becoming London’s first net-zero airport by 2030, these proposals set out how the site and its airlines can sustainably meet future demand. In particular, it would boost investment in cleaner, quieter modern jets.

The airport is right in the middle of everything. Photo: London City Airport

airline potential

British Airways, which has a significant presence at the airport, also took note of their observations. The company will no doubt keep an eye on advances in this area.

British Airways CityFlyer CEO Tom Stoddart added:

“We welcome these proposals, which will give our customers more choice and flexibility, create local jobs and contribute to London’s economic recovery. At British Airways we remain focused on a sustainable future and these proposals place sustainability at the forefront of change in the City of London.”

The Airbus A220 and Embraer E2 were touted by City Airport in today’s statement. British Airways mainly uses Embraer E190 aircraft at the airport. This type first joined the airline’s fleet in 2019, but deliveries continued until last year. The average age of these planes is 11 years and they are not as efficient as the above models.

So if City Airport’s wish is granted, the E2 would be a natural successor to BA. The aircraft is a revised model of the E190. Pratt & Whitney PurePower Geared Turbofan engines replaced General Electric power units and offered a 17.3% improvement in fuel economy. Embraer claims that the E2 would become the most environmentally friendly aircraft in its segment, offering the lowest levels of exterior noise and emissions.

The equally efficient A220 has become a fan favorite since its introduction to SWISS in 2017. This airline already operates the A220 at City Airport and flies from the British capital to Zurich and Geneva, among others.

There might be opportunities for BA. Photo: British Airways

looking ahead

So there is room for development when it comes to the sustainable expansion of the City Airport. However, there will undoubtedly be concerns and resistance. It is crucial that all socio-ecological factors are discussed and worked out during this 10-week consultation.

What do you think of London City Airport starting a 10-week consultation on changes to its current planning permission? How do you assess the overall situation? Let us know what you think in the comments section.