The Environment

We recognise the impact of aviation on the environment in terms of noise, visual intrusion, local air quality and emissions from aircraft.

In this proposal, routes below 4000ft have generally been positioned to avoid flying over sizeable population centres. Between 4000ft and 7000ft, we have tried to balance the demands of mitigating noise and reducing fuel burn and emissions. Above 7000ft increasing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions has taken priority.

It is impossible for routes to avoid every village, town and city - and where we avoid some we inevitably have to fly over others.

However, we have tried to avoid as many as possible taking into account the competing aims of ensuring safety, reducing delay and mitigating the environmental effects. NATS has attempted to achieve a balance between these competing demands.

For full details on the environmental aspects of this proposal, issues of tranquillity and visual intrusion please refer to the consultation document.