Embraer and Airbus are expected to benefit from the approval to expand flights at London City Airport, in the UK capital.
The Department of Housing, Communities and Government has given the go-ahead for the airport located about 6 miles (9.3 km) from central London to be able to handle up to 9 million passengers per year, compared to the current limit of 6.5 million.
To this end, more flights will be allowed between 6 am and 9 am, but only if they are operated by new-generation aircraft.
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The government’s decision also mentions Embraer’s E190-E2 and E195-E2 jets, and Airbus’ A220-100 and A220-300, as well as future aircraft that can meet noise pollution requirements.
The expansion, therefore, should generate extra demand for Embraer and Airbus, which already operate most of London City’s flights, especially the Brazilian planemaker.
British Airways, KLM, Air Dolomiti, Helvetic Airways and LOT currently operate E-Jets at the airport.
The A220 is used by ITA Airways and Swiss, while some other airlines fly with ATR and Dash 8 turboprops.
Short-haul flights
The airport administration’s request to extend Saturday flights from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., however, was not accepted by the government.
The decision to expand operations at London City sparked protests from environmental activists who believe that the airport will cause greater pollution in the surrounding area.
There was also criticism regarding the incentive to air travel on routes that are also served by trains.
According to an analysis by The Guardian, more than half of journeys from London City can be made by train in six hours or less.
