The CAA has two separate but related roles on airspace.
First, the CAA makes decisions on proposals to change airspace design (CAP 1616).
Second, as required by the Secretary of State's 2017 Directions to the CAA (pursuant to section 66 of the Transport Act 2000), we have developed a strategy (the Airspace Modernisation Strategy (AMS)) for the use of UK airspace for air navigation up to 2040.
Additionally, the CAA and the Department for Transport as Co-Sponsors have commissioned NATs en-route (NERL) to prepare a masterplan to implement the AMS (the Masterplan). Once accepted, the Masterplan will be adopted into the AMS. After this date, our airspace functions will be carried out in such a way as to give effect to the AMS (the strategy and plan) subject to our statutory functions and duties.
Based on the information available at the time of a DCO application the CAA will consider whether there are any insurmountable impediments to any related airspace change proposal being approved. In doing so, in determining whether there are any insurmountable impediments, the CAA will specifically consider, based on the information available, whether the associated ACP is compliant with the AMS and Masterplan.