London City Airport (LCY), which is known for its steep 5.5-deg. approach, is looking to add a shallower 4.49 deg. approach, which could open the downtown airport to larger new-technology narrowbodies like the Airbus A320neo.
All aircraft landing at London City currently use a 5.5-deg. approach—compared with a more conventional 3 deg. approach—because of the airport’s downtown location and short runway. This means the number of aircraft types certified to serve the airport is heavily restricted, and they must be flown by specially trained crews.
However, as part of the UK CAA’s airspace change program, London City is seeking opinions on a new landing approach. The public consultation will run from March 2 to May 17, and responses will be published later this year.
“The change would enable larger, quieter and more efficient aircraft, such as the Airbus A320neo,” London City said.
Aircraft ground tracks, existing flight paths and departure routes would remain unchanged, but the vertical profile would be altered in the final few kilometers before landing, using satellite-based navigation. The airport estimates this would save 5,780t of fuel, 18,380t of CO₂ emissions and reduce noise for 110,000 people over the next 12 years, compared with existing procedures.
“Our proposals would allow us to grow more sustainably by reducing the number of flights and the level of noise people would experience when compared with not making this change,” London City Airport CEO Andy Cliffe said.
Currently, London City has a government-imposed cap of 9 million passengers per year. Movements are also limited, but larger aircraft could accommodate more passengers per flight, allowing some additional growth without additional movements. If smaller-capacity aircraft movements were consolidated into higher-capacity aircraft, this could lead to 76,500 fewer flights over 12 years, London City said.
The new procedure would be limited to “specifically authorized new-generation aircraft, such as the Airbus A320neo.” Other aircraft would continue to use the existing 5.5-deg. approach.
London City estimates the change could deliver up to 4,000 new jobs and expand its existing 30-destination network, resulting in £38.4-97.4 million ($51.7-131.3) in net economic growth.
Commercial aircraft that are currently approved to operate into London City include the ATR 42, ATR 72, De Havilland Dash 8-400, Embraer 190-E1, E190-E2, E195-E2 and the Airbus A220-100. The Saab 2000, Dornier 328 and E170-E1 are also approved, but not currently in use at the airport.
A London City spokesperson said the airport has no specific aircraft type or variant in mind for the proposal.
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