RiverOak Strategic Partners
Airspace Procedures
In 2019, RiverOak Strategic Partners (RSP) began the process to secure approval from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for its use of airspace and procedures to enable safe and efficient operations to and from the airport.
The process is defined in the Civil Aviation Publication (CAP) 1616.
The Civil Aviation Authority CAP 1616 process for airspace change is carried out in seven stages, with 14 very precise steps. It also includes four process ‘gateways’ beyond which you are not allowed to proceed until approved by the CAA. We are working methodically through the process, and we are currently at Stage 3.
In Stage 2, we sought feedback for our Design Options, from air navigation service providers at neighbouring airports, the wider aviation community and selected representatives of local communities such as members of local authorities, parish councils and MPs representing constituencies in the surrounding area to ensure any critical technical and operational interdependencies were considered.
In reaching Stage 3, the CAA has confirmed that it is satisfied the airspace change proposal, up to this stage, is in accordance with the CAA’s Airspace Modernisation Strategy and UK Masterplan. The design options will now be subject to a comprehensive public consultation. The public consultation will comprise 4 specific steps and a Consult Gateway during Stage 3. This is a key part of the airspace change process where we will take into account the wider views of residents, businesses, communities, the public and other stakeholders.
To view and access the Manston page on the CAA’s dedicated Airspace Change portal, please click here.
FAQ
What is airspace?
Airspace is the ‘invisible infrastructure’ in the sky which helps aircraft operate safely. It is an essential part of the UK’s national transport infrastructure.
What is an Airspace Change Project?
Airspace change is a separate process and one that all airports in the UK are required to undertake as part of a nationwide modernisation of our ‘infrastructure in the sky’. By establishing airspace and operating procedures for flights to and from Manston, this process will ensure that the airport can operate in the safest, most efficient and sustainable way by fully utilising the improved navigational capabilities of modern aircraft and the updated ‘en route’ network.
What stage has the Manston ACP reached?
The CAA’s airspace change process consists of seven stages. Manston is now at Stage 3. In reaching Stage 3, the CAA has confirmed that it is satisfied the airspace change proposal, up to this stage, is in accordance with the CAA’s Airspace Modernisation Strategy and UK Masterplan. The design options will now be subject to a comprehensive public consultation in early 2026. The public consultation will comprise four specific steps and a Consult Gateway during Stage 3. This is a key part of the airspace change process where we will take into account the wider views of residents, businesses, communities, the public and other stakeholders.
When can members of the public get involved?
Comprehensive public consultation will take place during Stage 3, which we have now reached. The consultation phase is a key part of the airspace change process as it allows the change sponsor (in this case, RiverOak Strategic Partners (RSP)) to gather information and to understand views about the impact of a particular proposal and allows consultees to provide relevant and timely feedback. This process is anticipated to commence in early 2026.
What is the timeline for airspace change?
Why doesn’t the process include flights over 7,000ft?
Flights over 7,000ft are the responsibility of NATS, the national air traffic services provider. NATS will undertake a separate airspace change process in order to modernise the ‘en route’ network above this threshold.
What is the latest stakeholder update?
Stakeholder updates will be posted here in due course..
Further information
To access the Manston page on the CAA’s dedicated Airspace Change portal, please click here.
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