London City Airport has applied to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for approval to allow Airbus A320neo aircraft to land at its facilities. The airport, located in London's financial district, aims to introduce cleaner and quieter aircraft as part of its growth strategy. Approval would enable the airport to reach a target of 9 million passengers by 2031 without increasing flight movements.
"It would open up a range of possible new routes for passengers while incentivizing airlines to modernize their fleet from older to newer generation aircraft such as the Airbus A320neo, which are more fuel efficient, more environmentally friendly and quieter," stated an airport representative.
The application includes a new approach called Required Navigation Performance Authorization Required (RNP AR), which would change the approach angle for specific aircraft on the single runway. Currently, only certain smaller aircraft like the Airbus A318 and Embraer E190-E2 are certified for operations at London City Airport.