London City Airport, one of the many airports in and around London, has requested the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to allow Airbus A320neo aircraft to take-off and land.
London City Airport eyes bigger aircraft
London City Airport (LCY) has submitted an application to the CAA that would, if approved, enable the Airbus A320neo to operate at the Capital’s most centrally located airport.
The airport wants to grow sustainably, and for that, it wants to allow the A320neo, one of the most fuel-efficient narrow body aircraft, to operate to/from the airport. The application, which has been lodged, would enable London City to reach its permitted passenger capacity with fewer flight movements, stimulating economic growth while maintaining operational efficiency. It would open up a range of possible new routes for passengers.
The potential introduction of the A320neo aircraft at London City Airport is incredibly exciting. It would broaden the range of leisure destinations for our passengers, enable growth without increasing the number of flight movements, deliver much needed economic growth and accelerate refleeting to cleaner, quieter, new generation aircraft.
Alison FitzGerald, CEO of London City Airport said.
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In August 2024, the Government approved London City’s plans to increase its annual passenger cap from 6.5 million to 9 million by 2031 as a driver of economic growth. This included no increase to the permitted number of annual flights and no new infrastructure. The airport sees the possible introduction of the A320neo as key to building its leisure offering. The aircraft is able to carry over 180 passengers depending on the preferred seat configuration and can travel over 1,000 kilometers, which covers large parts of mainland Europe.
The application is specifically asking the CAA to approve a new flight procedure (RNP AR) which would alter the approach angle for this aircraft at each runway end. The current approach angle limits the type of aircraft that use the airport and requires those that can be certified for a steep approach.
Featured image by London City Airport
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