A PUBLIC consultation is under way into air space changes around Leeds Bradford Airport.

The Yeadon site is introducing changes to its airspace, as its departure routes will not change, but aircraft will achieve greater height quicker, reducing disruption to those under the flight paths.

By publishing more efficient arrival routes, aircraft will fly fewer miles, to reduce the disruption to local communities.

To provide improved spacing between arriving and departing aircraft and greater efficiency of operation, the new procedures require additional airspace to manoeuvre aircraft within.

The proposed airspace change and introduction of updated departure routes for the airport’s runway 32 will result in aircraft departures flying closer to, or over, some new areas; particularly Burley Woodhead and Baildon. But the overall number of locations overflown will reduce. Changes will also be made to services from runway 14. The airspace changes are being made at airport’s across the UK.

The deadline for public consultations is Sunday, November 5. The airport will then submit its application to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), who have 17 weeks to reply. Once approval is achieved, LBA will complete controller training with the changes set to be implemented from autumn next year.

Fuel saving and noise reduction are key parts to the changes, according to LBA chiefs.

Alan Siddoway, head of air traffic services at LBA, said: “We would encourage people to talk to us about the airspace changes.

“We have already been consulting with a number of parties and we are trying to improve the quality of life for those people in the area around the airport.

“We are looking at 100 kilograms fuel saving for every aircraft which arrives and departs at LBA.

“We are aiming to get our aircraft higher, quicker as part of the changes.”

Two public consultation events will take place about the changes. They will be on Tuesday, September 26, at Yarnbury (Horsforth) RFC, Brownberrie Lane, Horsforth. The second is on Wednesday, September 27, at Highroyds Sports and Social Club, Guiseley Drive, Menston. Both sessions between 3pm and 8pm.

Email responses for the consultation to lbaconsultation@ospreycsl.co.uk and title the email LBA Consultation

Go to http://www.leedsbradfordairport.co.uk/media/2705/acp-consultation-document-addendum-issue-1.pdf to look at the airspace changes report.