§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on how many days in(a) 1996 and (b) 1997 a procedure permitting a 132W reduced final approach separation distance between aircraft has been put into operation at (i) Heathrow and (ii) Gatwick airports. [5603]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonStrict criteria, particularly in respect of visibility and weather conditions, govern the introduction of reduced final approach separation. Since the trials began in 1994, procedure has been applied for approximately 1 per cent. of flights into Heathrow overall. Specific information on the number of days involved in 1996 and 1997 is not available. A similar trial is expected to start at Gatwick airport soon.