CAA decides on Birmingham Airport departure route changes
As a result of the extension of the airport’s runway in 2014 new routes were required for departing aircraft. The airport consulted with the local community and other interested parties on several options for these routes and submitted the results to the CAA for a review and decision.
These routes move away from old ground-based navigation in order to use more efficient satellite-based systems. This is part of international and national projects to improve airspace infrastructure to deliver a more efficient use of airspace and enable environmental improvements, including fuel and CO2 savings.
Two options (known as Options 5 & 6) were proposed for southbound aircraft and although both options meet the safety and operational requirements set by the CAA, it is Option 6 that has been approved. Detailed analysis and modelling of live trials conducted in 2014-15 revealed that the aircraft noise generated by Option 6 impacts fewer residents. This is also endorsed by feedback from Birmingham's Airport's consultation.
However, as part of this decision, the CAA has also instructed the airport to trial the use of Option 5 for turbo-prop aeroplanes which should move aircraft away from being directly overhead Barston.
The airport is currently undertaking further design work on a northbound departure route, known as Option 4. Once this work has been completed the airport can formally submit the route for approval to the CAA.