A320neo Could Soon be Landing at London City Airport

by Matt Falcus
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London City Approach

London City Airport (LCY), known for its unique approach and central location, has submitted an application to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to allow the Airbus A320neo to operate from its short runway. If approved, this development could mark a significant milestone for the airport, opening up new opportunities for airlines and passengers alike.

 

Cleaner, Quieter Aircraft for the Future

As part of its commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency, London City is aiming to welcome cleaner and quieter aircraft. The introduction of the A320neo is central to these plans, which focus on achieving the airport’s growth targets while minimising environmental impact. By permitting the A320neo, the airport could reach its newly approved passenger capacity of 9 million per year by 2031—up from the current cap of 6.5 million—without increasing the number of annual flight movements.

According to London City, the A320neo offers significant environmental benefits compared to older aircraft. It is more fuel-efficient, emits less CO2, and is quieter—an important consideration for an airport located in the heart of the city. The aircraft’s ability to carry over 180 passengers, depending on its configuration, and its range of over 1,000 km could also unlock new routes across Europe, boosting connectivity for both leisure and business travellers.

 

Preparing for the A320neo

Airbus A320neo G-TTNA. (Colin Cooke, distributed under CC BY-SA 2.0)

To enable the A320neo to operate at London City, the airport has requested approval for a new flight procedure known as Required Navigation Performance with Authorisation Required (RNP AR). This procedure would modify the approach angle at both runway ends, allowing the larger aircraft to land safely. Currently, London City’s steep approach restricts the types of aircraft that can operate from the airport, requiring special certification.

Alison FitzGerald, CEO of London City Airport, shared her enthusiasm for the potential changes:

“The potential introduction of the A320neo aircraft at London City Airport is incredibly exciting. It would broaden the range of leisure destinations for our passengers, enable growth without increasing the number of flight movements, deliver much-needed economic growth and accelerate refleeting to cleaner, quieter, new-generation aircraft.”

What This Means for Aviation Enthusiasts

For aviation enthusiasts, the possibility of seeing the A320neo operating at London City is an exciting prospect. Known for its dramatic landings on the airport’s famously short runway, London City has long been a hotspot for plane spotters. The addition of the A320neo would not only add to the spectacle but could also attract new airlines and routes, further enhancing the airport’s appeal.

Airlines already using London City which operate the A320neo include British Airways, ITA Airways, Lufthansa and Swiss, who could all make the switch from smaller Embraer 190s for their services.

As the application process unfolds, enthusiasts and travellers alike will be watching closely. If approved, the A320neo could soon become a regular sight in the skies over East London, ushering in a new chapter for one of the UK’s most unique airports.

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