New flight path plans will save fuel – but could be noisy

FLIGHT paths into Glasgow Airport are set to change for the first time in half a century as passenger jets switch to satellite navigation systems.

The technology is replacing groundbased guidance beacons across the UK.

The system is expected to reduce the amount of fuel needed and improve punctuality. The existing network of around 60 ground beacons – 14 of them in Scotland – is being decommissioned by National Air Traffic Services.

Flight path trials have proved controversial, with residents in Edinburgh complaining of ‘disastrous’ levels of aircraft noise.

New flight path proposals for the city were put on hold last year by the Civil Aviation Authority. Under draft proposals for Glasgow Airport, areas such as Bridge of Weir and Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, will see a huge increase in passing aircraft.

Mark Johnston, operations director at Glasgow Airport, said the current flight plans were ‘no longer fit for purpose’.

He added: ‘In moving to this new system, not only will we be able to improve the punctuality of flights, we will be able to reduce the amount of fuel burn from aircraft at Glasgow by over 4,000 tons [each year].’ Glasgow Airport has launched a 13-week consultation on the plans, to let residents raise any concerns.

But Airport watch, an umbrella group for those opposed to aviation expansion, said: ‘Satellite navigation allows all the aircraft to fly in a tight 100metre corridor... those unlucky enough to live underneath this get all the noise.’