Airspace Change Process – RNP AR
What we’re doing?
We have applied to the CAA for a new flight procedure RNP AR (Required Navigation Performance – Authorisation Required) to allow a shallower approach for the A320neo aircraft and potentially other new generation aircraft.
This will allow a shallower approach than the current Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach of 5.5 degrees. RNP AR is more stringent than the ILS approach and allows very precise landing approaches (utilising Performance Based Navigation).
Airlines and crew will require special approval to fly the RNP AR approach. This is because of the advanced avionics, additional pilot training and strict procedures involved.
The physical change is a minor modification to the existing flight path, in the final kilometres of the approach, as aircraft begin their final descent. All existing procedures remain the same for other aircraft types.
Why are we doing this?
The change will enable the A320neo to operate from LCY. This is a new generation aircraft cleaner and quieter than current aircraft at LCY and the original A320 seen at other airports. It may also allow other new generation aircraft to operate using a RNP AR shallower approach but only if they are as quiet or quieter than the A320neo.
Initial indications from specification data points to the A320neo being quieter than the current E190, even with the shallower approach.
The A320neo is comparable in size to the E195-E2 aircraft which is already flying at LCY, and provides greater passenger capacity than the current aircraft operating. Its introduction will mean passenger growth to 9mppa while remaining within our aircraft movement limit 111,000 Air Traffic Movements.
The A320neo is commonly operated by airlines. Therefore, making RNP AR approach available opens the airport to a wider range of airlines.
The precision that comes with RNP AR will mean the already high levels of safety at LCY will be that much higher.
The Airspace Change Process
The ACP process is owned and governed by the CAA. Any permanent change to UK airspace needs to go through the same basic process, regardless of the extent of the scale.
A key element in the development of these design principles is stakeholder engagement.
London City Airport believes the success of this airspace change proposal will stem from early engagement with stakeholders, maintaining transparency, and keeping stakeholders informed throughout the process.
Press play on this presentation for more information.
Engagement sessions on the design principles were held with Stakeholders on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th of April 2025. The questions raised during these sessions and our answers can be found in the - Airspace Change Proposals Q&A document below.
We are currently at Stage 2 in this process. We are engaging with stakeholders on the development our design options before launching a public consultation on our progressed options at Stage 3. Our Stage 2 engagement information can be found below. Following successful consultation, we will submit our formal ACP to the CAA for their consideration. Details on the CAA’s Airspace Change Process (CAP 1616) – including Stage 1 – can be found here.
Follow our progress on the CAA Airspace Change Portal.
For more information, contact: LCY-ACP@londoncityairport.com