Latest news with #TimAlderslade
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Flight paths shake-up could mean quicker journeys and fewer delays for passengers
The move could even be a boost for 'flying taxis' of the future CHANGE IN THE AIR Flight paths shake-up could mean quicker journeys and fewer delays for passengers Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PASSENGERS could enjoy quicker journeys and fewer delays under the first shake-up of flight paths in 70 years. Ministers have ordered an overhaul of UK airspace to create more direct routes. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up The review could also let planes climb into the sky quicker to reduce the noise for communities below. In the long-term, the government says the redesign would even create the necessary airspace for the 'flying taxis' of the future to operate. Britain's flightpaths have not been changed since the 1950s when there were just 200,000 flights per year, compared with 2.7million in 2024. It has resulted in flight congestion that often forces planes to circle overhead before landing, causing frustration to passengers as well as more emissions. A new UK Airspace Design Service will be up and running by the end of the year, and will first focus on re-carving London's flightpaths in anticipation of a third Heathrow runway. Transport Minister Mike Kane said: 'Redesigned 'skyways' will turbocharge growth in the aviation industry. "Not least by boosting airport expansion plans and supporting job creation, driving millions into the UK economy as part of the Plan for Change. 'Modernising our airspace is also one of the simplest ways to help reduce pollution from flying and will set the industry up for a long-term sustainable future.' Tim Alderslade of Airlines UK added: 'Modernising UK airspace is long overdue. "These changes will help to speed up a programme that will provide tangible reforms, from a reduction in delays, improved resilience and lower carbon emissions.' Travelers have only days before May 23 'flight switch' rule ends – you face long delays if you don't act immediately
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Flight paths shake-up could mean quicker journeys and fewer delays for passengers
PASSENGERS could enjoy quicker journeys and fewer delays under the first shake-up of flight paths in 70 years. Ministers have ordered an overhaul of UK airspace to create more direct routes. Advertisement The review could also let planes climb into the sky quicker to reduce the noise for communities below. In the long-term, the government says the redesign would even create the necessary airspace for the 'flying taxis' of the Britain's flightpaths have not been changed since the 1950s when there were just 200,000 flights per year, compared with 2.7million in 2024. It has resulted in flight congestion that often forces planes to circle overhead before landing, causing frustration to passengers as well as more emissions. Advertisement READ MORE ON AIR TRAVEL A new UK Airspace Design Service will be up and running by the end of the year, and will first focus on re-carving London's flightpaths in anticipation of a third Heathrow runway. Transport Minister Mike Kane said: 'Redesigned 'skyways' will turbocharge growth in the aviation industry. "Not least by boosting airport expansion plans and supporting job creation, driving millions into the UK economy as part of the Plan for Change. 'Modernising our airspace is also one of the simplest ways to help reduce pollution from flying and will set the industry up for a long-term sustainable future.' Advertisement Most read in The Sun Tim Alderslade of Airlines UK added: 'Modernising UK airspace is long overdue. "These changes will help to speed up a programme that will provide tangible reforms, from a reduction in delays, improved resilience and lower carbon emissions.' Travelers have only days before May 23 'flight switch' rule ends – you face long delays if you don't act immediately 1 Passengers could enjoy quicker journeys and fewer delays under the first shake-up of flight paths in 70 years Credit: Alamy
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Holidaymakers to enjoy quicker flights after major UK airspace change
The changes will enable the largest redesign of UK airspace flight paths since it was first formed in the 1950s, when there were only around 200,000 flights per year Holidaymakers will enjoy quicker flights and fewer delays under major plans to open up new and more direct routes. The changes, laid in Parliament today, will enable the largest redesign of UK airspace flight paths since it was first formed in the 1950s, when there were only around 200,000 flights per year, compared to 2.7 million in 2024. The plans will help planes avoid having to circle in the sky while waiting to land, reducing delays and emissions per flight. Redesigned 'skyways' could also allow planes to climb quicker during take-off and descend more smoothly, reducing noise and air pollution for residents who live along flight routes. The new UK Airspace Design Service (UKADS), which will be delivered by NATS (En Route) plc, will be fully operational by the end of this year. It will initially focus on redesigning London's airspace. The Department for Transport said the redesign will support thousands of jobs in the aviation and tourism sectors. More than 100,000 extra jobs are expected to be created through the expansion at Heathrow alone. Over a longer timeframe, the UKADS could design routes that support flight paths for new and emerging technologies such as drones and flying taxis. In April, the Government announced £20million to launch new flight technologies, with ministers suggesting airborne taxis and commercial drones could take flight as soon as 2028. Last week marked a step towards the 2028 ambition after the first British flying taxi completed its first ever flight. Aviation Minister Mike Kane said: 'Redesigned 'skyways' will turbocharge growth in the aviation industry, not least by boosting airport expansion plans and supporting job creation, driving millions into the UK economy. 'Modernising our airspace is also one of the simplest ways to help reduce pollution from flying and will set the industry up for a long-term sustainable future.' Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, said: "Modernising UK airspace is long overdue and these changes will help to speed up a programme that will provide tangible reforms, from a reduction in delays, improved resilience and lower carbon emissions.'
Leader Live
19-05-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
British passport holders to be allowed to use e-gates at more EU airports
Since Brexit, British travellers arriving at EU airports have generally been forced to queue for manned desks to have their passports stamped, rather than use automated gates with facial recognition technology. This has led to many passengers facing long queues, particularly during peak periods. The issue has been described as one of the most visible impacts of the UK's withdrawal from the EU. After the agreement with the EU, the Government said in a statement: 'British holidaymakers will be able to use more e-gates in Europe, ending the dreaded queues at border control.' Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of Advantage Travel Partnership, a network of independent travel agents, said the announcement was 'a significant breakthrough for British travellers'. She told the PA news agency: 'The frustrating experience of lengthy border control queues upon arrival has been a persistent challenge for many, so the expanded access to e-gates across Europe comes as a tremendous relief. 'With this streamlined system in place, we anticipate both holidaymakers and business travellers will enjoy a much smoother, more efficient airport experience, allowing them to begin their journeys without unnecessary delays.' Tim Alderslade, chief executive of trade body Airlines UK, said: 'This is excellent news for British holidaymakers and will enable an even smoother passenger experience for families travelling to the EU.' British passports can currently be used at e-gates in the EU at a limited number of airports in Spain and Portugal. Luke Petherbridge, director of public affairs at travel trade organisation Abta, said: 'Since Brexit, Abta has been calling for changes that will make travel easier, and we're pleased to see the UK and EU agree these steps. 'The EU is home to the UK's favourite overseas holiday destinations, and travel between our nations creates a huge boost for the UK economy and is a big driver of growth.' The EU is planning to launch its long-delayed Entry/Exit System (EES) in October. This will replace the need for people arriving in the EU from non-member countries such as the UK to have their passports stamped. Instead, they will need to have their fingerprints scanned and a photograph taken to register them on a database, with the data stored for three years. There are fears this will cause queues at EU airports, as well as at the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel's terminal in Folkestone and London's St Pancras railway station, where French border checks are carried out before people embark on cross-Channel journeys. Mr Petherbridge said: 'It is vital we continue to see good co-operation between the UK and EU on the introduction of this scheme, to make it as streamlined as possible for UK travellers.' The Government also announced that UK cats and dogs will be able to travel 'more easily' by 'eliminating the need for animal health certificates for every trip'. This is through the introduction of so-called pet passports.
Glasgow Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
British passport holders to be allowed to use e-gates at more EU airports
Since Brexit, British travellers arriving at EU airports have generally been forced to queue for manned desks to have their passports stamped, rather than use automated gates with facial recognition technology. This has led to many passengers facing long queues, particularly during peak periods. The issue has been described as one of the most visible impacts of the UK's withdrawal from the EU. After the agreement with the EU, the Government said in a statement: 'British holidaymakers will be able to use more e-gates in Europe, ending the dreaded queues at border control.' Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of Advantage Travel Partnership, a network of independent travel agents, said the announcement was 'a significant breakthrough for British travellers'. She told the PA news agency: 'The frustrating experience of lengthy border control queues upon arrival has been a persistent challenge for many, so the expanded access to e-gates across Europe comes as a tremendous relief. 'With this streamlined system in place, we anticipate both holidaymakers and business travellers will enjoy a much smoother, more efficient airport experience, allowing them to begin their journeys without unnecessary delays.' Tim Alderslade, chief executive of trade body Airlines UK, said: 'This is excellent news for British holidaymakers and will enable an even smoother passenger experience for families travelling to the EU.' British passports can currently be used at e-gates in the EU at a limited number of airports in Spain and Portugal. Luke Petherbridge, director of public affairs at travel trade organisation Abta, said: 'Since Brexit, Abta has been calling for changes that will make travel easier, and we're pleased to see the UK and EU agree these steps. 'The EU is home to the UK's favourite overseas holiday destinations, and travel between our nations creates a huge boost for the UK economy and is a big driver of growth.' The EU is planning to launch its long-delayed Entry/Exit System (EES) in October. This will replace the need for people arriving in the EU from non-member countries such as the UK to have their passports stamped. Instead, they will need to have their fingerprints scanned and a photograph taken to register them on a database, with the data stored for three years. There are fears this will cause queues at EU airports, as well as at the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel's terminal in Folkestone and London's St Pancras railway station, where French border checks are carried out before people embark on cross-Channel journeys. Mr Petherbridge said: 'It is vital we continue to see good co-operation between the UK and EU on the introduction of this scheme, to make it as streamlined as possible for UK travellers.' The Government also announced that UK cats and dogs will be able to travel 'more easily' by 'eliminating the need for animal health certificates for every trip'. This is through the introduction of so-called pet passports.
