'I've seen glaciers move faster' - Jet2 chief calls UK government to move faster on airspace modernisation as airline launches at London Gatwick
The chief executive of a major airline has called on the UK government to move faster on airspace modernisation.
Jet2’s Steve Heapy was speaking at London Gatwick as the airline announced it’s newest base when he made the demand, along with asking the government implement very quickly, the revenue certainty mechanism for sustainable aviation fuel.
Jet2 will launch operations in March 2026 with six aircraft and an exciting network of 29 routes, offering passengers even more choice for award-winning flights and holidays. This marks the largest new based airline at London Gatwick this century, as the UK’s leading tour operator expands to meet soaring demand from passengers and independent travel agents.
The fleet of aircraft includes five based brand-new Airbus A321neo aircraft, recognised as the most fuel-efficient and sustainable aircraft in its class today, reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions per seat by more than 20% and providing a 50% lower noise footprint when compared to other aircraft.
Mr Heapy said: “It is the world's most fuel-efficient aircraft in its class, 22% more fuel-efficient that our existing fleet and half as noisy as our existing fleet, and this will help us on our journey to achieving net zero by 2050.
"A big part of achieving net zero is not only the airlines, it's the government and I once again call on the government to implement very quickly, the revenue certainty mechanism for sustainable aviation fuel.
“When that's done sustainable aviation fuel will be produced in this country and there will be enough to meet the demands of the south Monday at the moment. There isn't enough in this country.”
Mr Heapy then moved onto airspace modernisation. In June, the government has announced the next phase of the UK’s Airspace Modernisation Strategy, with the newly established UK Airspace Design Service (UKADS) set to be fully operational by the end of 2025.
The government has said the new body will be a ‘single guiding mind to deliver a modernised UK airspace, enabling quicker, quieter and cleaner flights’.
But Mr Heapy said it wasn’t moving quickly. “The other thing the government can do is move a quicker pace on airspace modernisation,” he said. “Statistics show that if the government modernises space, an aircraft can fly in a straight line, carbon dioxide emissions will be reduced by between 12 and 14%. The European Union have been talking about this for 24 years and done absolutely nothing. The UK government have been talking about it for many years, and progress is painfully slow. I've seen glaciers move faster.”
A London Gatwick spokesperson said: “Like all major airports, London Gatwick is taking part in the UK-wide government-led programme to modernise the country’s airspace. This work will enable aircraft to climb more quickly and take more direct routes, leading to an overall reduction in noise, carbon emissions and delays.
“All airports in the programme must follow the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) process, which ensures decision-making is fair and transparent.
“We are complying fully with this process and have already shared a wide range of options with stakeholders, including community and noise groups."