Edinburgh Airport officially launches new Airspace Trial

For six months the airport will operate the trial supported by air traffic control providers NATS and in line with Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) guidance. The project will see a new Standard Instrument Departure (SID) route introduced for certain aircraft taking off from the airport – ensuring capacity for the future of Scotland’s aviation industry.

Introducing a new SID route will allow suitably equipped aircraft depart at one minute intervals – allowing the airport to encourage and maintain safe and sustainable growth whilst ensuring punctuality is unaffected.

David Wilson, Chief Operating Officer of Edinburgh Airport, said: "A trial like this is of vital importance as aircraft currently flying above Scotland are on a network designed in the late 1970s.

"What we’re aiming to do is upgrade the airspace around Edinburgh Airport, bringing it into the 21st century. Not only will this help alleviate pressure on the three existing westerly departure routes, it means we can efficiently manage the continual demand for air travel.

"As we continue to see more passengers travel through our airport, it’s more important than ever to increase airspace capacity to cater for this growth."

The new SID route will see aircraft take off in a south westerly direction and turn right towards the River Forth, climbing above water before flying back over land between Musselburgh and Prestonpans at a minimum of 13,000ft.

The route passes over very few populated areas and flies over the River Forth for the bulk of its flight path.

The airport has actively contacted local community councils and politicians and will be placing noise monitors along the flight path to collect data on the flights and analyse noise levels.

For more information, including maps and FAQs, visit the Airspace Trial website at sid.edinburghairport.com.