London City Airport has filed an application with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), seeking approval for A320neo aircraft operations at the airport.
The application is specifically seeking the CAA to approve a new flight procedure (RNP AR) which would alter the approach angle at each runway end at London City. The airport's current approach angle limits the type of aircraft that can use its runway, due to its central London location.
The application would also enable London City to reach its permitted passenger capacity with fewer flight movements, stimulating economic growth and operational efficiency.
In August 2024, the UK government approved London City’s plans to increase its annual passenger cap from 6.5 million to 9 million by 2031, as a driver of economic growth.
The airport sees the possible introduction of the A320neo as “key” to building its leisure offering, with Alison FitzGerald, CEO of London City Airport, commenting: “The potential introduction of the A320neo would broaden the range of leisure destinations for our passengers, enable growth without increasing the number of flight movements, deliver much needed economic growth and accelerate reflecting to cleaner, quieter, new generation aircraft.”
If approved, the A320neo will be the largest aircraft type to operate at the airport. Currently the A220-100 is the largest aircraft type to operate out of London City.