Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 11
11
Deferred
Paragraph: 79
Intensify DfT and CAA work on airspace modernisation, prioritising environmental sustainability.
Recommendation
We recommend that the Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority intensify their work on airspace modernisation, bearing in mind the overarching principle of environmental sustainability.
Government response summary AI-generated
The government agrees but deflects the specific focus on airspace modernisation. Instead, it details the launch of a multi-year, multi-million aviation non-CO2 research programme to improve understanding and mitigation of non-CO2 climate impacts, with initial calls for academic projects launched in October 2023.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
79
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government · verbatim extract
Deferred
The Government agrees with this recommendation. A refreshed Airspace Modernisation Strategy (AMS) was published in January 2023 which extends the strategy out to 2040, reaffirming our commitment to delivering this key infrastructure programme5. The AMS sets out the ways, means and ends of modernising airspace through nine elements that will modernise aircraft-based navigation and airspace management. Sustainability is an overarching principle of the strategy. The environmental benefits of the strategy will contribute towards our Jet Zero emissions reductions targets for the aviation sector. One core element is airspace integration, which will enable new and innovative aircraft to share the skies safely alongside existing air traffic. These new technologies, such as Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS or commonly known as drones) and certified electric, Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft (eVTOLs), could help facilitate some modal shift 5 https://www.caa.co.uk/commercial-industry/airspace/airspace-modernisation/airspace-modernisation-strategy/ about-the-strategy/ from road or rail for passenger journeys, deliveries or freight to more sustainable electric options, and open up new aviation markets. It is anticipated that technologies supporting UAS and eVTOLs will also benefit the future operation of other aircraft. DfT and the CAA are looking at ways to streamline processes and accelerate advancement through the Airspace Modernisation programme whilst maintaining a stable framework for delivery. Recommendation 6: Recommend that the Government take every opportunity to establish in its policy instruments for a UK SAF industry the strongest safeguards to ensure significant lifecycle emissions savings from the use of SAFs developed in the UK.
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