We use necessary cookies to make our website work. We'd also like to use optional cookies to understand how you use it, and to help us improve it.

For more information, please read our cookie policy.



In the context of the airspace change masterplan, trade-offs are needed whenever there is a choice between airspace designs that each create a different mix of positive and negative impacts. The term ‘trade-off’ is typically used to refer to the positive impacts generated by a particular option which are lost when another option is preferred instead.

A trade-off may be necessary to resolve a conflict arising between:

  • two or more sponsors of interdependent airspace changes (for example, where they want to make use of the same volume of airspace); or
  • two or more objectives for airspace design (for example, achieving noise reduction and securing the most efficient use of airspace).

The CAA has published CAP3042 Airspace Change: Masterplan trade-off procedure about airspace design trade-offs for sponsors of airspace change proposals that form part of the airspace change masterplan.

News from UK Civil Aviation Authority

  1. UK regulator unveils new AI strategy
  2. UK to bring aviation experts together for third legal summit
  3. UK Civil Aviation Authority approves Manchester Low-Level Route airspace change