Photo: London City Airport London City Submits a Request to Operate Airbus A320neo at the Airport.
Airport authorities recently submitted a request to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which, if approved, will allow the operation of Airbus A320neo aircraft at the airport.
The move is intended to support the sustainable growth of the airport and reach the maximum allowed passenger capacity with fewer flight movements.
According to the airport management, the introduction of A320neo aircraft will enhance the offerings for tourists, as the plane can carry over 180 passengers depending on seating configuration and reach a range of more than 1,000 kilometers, providing access to most parts of Europe.
It should be noted that London City Airport (LCY) was approved for expansion from 6.5 million passengers to 9 million passengers annually by the UK Department for Transport. The airport will also be able to add 3 early morning flights during weekdays.
The small airport has only 15 gates spread over two wings, and in 2023, it served only 3.4 million passengers, compared to 79 million passengers at London Heathrow International Airport (LHR) in the same year.
Alison Fitzgerald, CEO of London City Airport, said: “The possibility of introducing the A320neo aircraft to the airport is very exciting. It will allow us to expand destination offerings, support economic growth without increasing the number of flights, and hasten the transition to a new, clean, and quieter fleet.”
It should be recalled that the capital of England, London, has six main commercial airports: Heathrow Airport (LHR), Gatwick Airport (LGW), London City Airport (LCY), Luton Airport (LTN), Stansted Airport (STN), and Southend Airport (SEN).
London City Airport (LCY) was recently approved for expansion from 6.5 million passengers to 9 million passengers annually by the UK Department for Transport. The airport will also be able to add 3 early morning flights during weekdays.
London City Airport is located in East London, close to the Docklands area.
The airport is known mainly for its proximity to the city center and the Canary Wharf business district, making it popular among business people, especially in the UK.
London City Airport is favored for its proximity to central London both by European tourists visiting the UK capital and by British business travelers flying to European centers. 'London City' offers flights to various destinations across the UK and Europe, including flights by major airlines such as British Airways, Lufthansa, and KLM.
The airport's short runway limits the types of aircraft that can operate there, with mainly relatively small planes currently operating short flights throughout Europe.
British airport authorities focus on improving sustainability by operating quieter and more environmentally friendly aircraft and continue to expand in line with increasing demand.