The Airspace Change Organising Group (ACOG) has published a new report titled Review of Economic Benefits from Modernising UK Airspace.
The independent report commissioned by ACOG and compiled by PA Consulting, uncovers the multi-faceted ways the benefits from modernising UK airspace might ripple out from the aviation sector into the wider economy and ultimately feed through into additional GDP and employment levels. This includes:
Positive developments in the aviation sector, such as airspace modernisation, are expected to lead to significant and permanent increases in GDP and employment. The additional GDP expected to be delivered by aviation interventions ranges from £9bn-£50bn+, and the corresponding additional employment ranges from 60,000 to 270,000.
Failing to modernise UK airspace could lead to 28 million minutes of delay by 2030, costing the UK economy £1.8bn through longer journey times.
Airspace modernisation will significantly improve air connectivity, which has been found to support trade, tourism, investment and productivity. This eventually translates into higher GDP.
Mark Swan, Head of ACOG, said, “This report illustrates the potential for significant gains from modernising our airspace. The findings demonstrate that upgrading the airspace can lead to increased efficiency and reduced delays while mitigating carbon emissions and broader environmental harm. This will also result in significant benefits for passengers, increased business productivity, and economic growth for the Country as a whole.
This report illustrates the potential for significant gains from modernising our airspace. The findings demonstrate that upgrading the airspace can lead to increased efficiency and reduced delays while mitigating carbon emissions and broader environmental harm. This will also result in significant benefits for passengers, increased business productivity, and economic growth for the Country as a whole.
Mark Swan, Head of ACOG
“Beyond this, the report also highlights how nearly half of all UK air transport movements occur outside London, showing the critical role that airspace modernisation can play in promoting economic development and opportunities across all regions of the UK.”
