Lois Larson
London City Airport is a hub for regional air travel, located in the heart of London. The airport's small size, unique geographical constraints, and steep approach mean that only certain aircraft types are permitted to land there. The runway is 1,508 metres long and requires a 5.5-degree glideslope for landing, which is almost double the standard approach of other airports. This restricts the types of aircraft that can use the airport and poses specific challenges for pilots, who require special training and certification to operate at London City Airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Runway length | 1,508 metres (4,948 feet) |
| Runway approach | 5.5° |
| Aircraft certification | Multi-engine, fixed-wing aircraft up to Embraer E195-E2, Airbus A220, and A318 size |
| Aircrew certification | Special certification to fly 5.5° approaches |
| Noise limitations | Strict noise limitations |
| Additional restrictions | Further restrictions apply |
| Notable aircraft | Embraer E-Jet family, Airbus A318, Saab 2000, ATR 42, Cessna CitationJet series, Beechcraft Super King Air, Hawker 400 and 800 |
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What You'll Learn
Aircraft requiring specific pilot training
London City Airport has a range of specific requirements for pilots and aircraft due to its unique location and runway characteristics. The airport has a short runway and a steep approach, requiring aircraft to descend at a rate of 5.5°, almost double that of other airports. This means that pilots must undergo special training to operate at this airport.
The Embraer E-Jet family, including the E190 and E195 series, dominates operations at London City Airport. These aircraft are renowned for their versatility and efficiency, making them well-suited for the airport's short runway and steep approach path. The Embraer E-Jet's ability to handle these unique conditions makes it a preferred choice for airlines operating at London City Airport.
The Airbus A318 is another prominent aircraft at the airport, known for its short takeoff and landing capabilities. The A318 has been specially modified to handle the steep approach, including the addition of spoilers on each wing and warning announcements in the cockpit for flare procedures. This aircraft has become a symbol of innovation, combining advanced technology with sustainability.
The Airbus A220, formerly known as the Bombardier CSeries, is also commonly seen at London City Airport. This twinjet is among the largest and widest aircraft serving the facility, offering a 3-2 seat layout. The A220 has opened up the possibility of transatlantic flights from the airport, although no airline has expressed interest in this route as of 2024.
In addition to these commercial jets, several executive and corporate jets are capable of using London City Airport. These include the Cessna CitationJet series, the Beechcraft Super King Air, and the Hawker 400 and 800. The British Aerospace Jetstream 41, a twin-engine turboprop aircraft, is also well-suited for short-haul flights from the airport.
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Commercial jets
London City Airport is known for its relatively short runway and steep approach, which limits the types of aircraft that can use it. The airport has stringent rules to limit the noise impact from aircraft operations. Aircraft must be technically capable of making this steep approach, and pilots must be experienced in this type of landing.
The Embraer E-Jet family is the most common aircraft at London City Airport, accounting for 80.9% of flights in February 2024. The Embraer E190/E195 series is renowned for its versatility and efficiency, making it a favourite among airlines operating short to medium-haul routes. Its ability to handle steep approaches and short runways makes it ideal for London City Airport's unique constraints.
The Airbus A318 is another prominent aircraft at the airport, known for its short takeoff and landing capabilities. The A318 has been modified to handle the steep approach, with spoilers that can be raised on each wing and warning announcements in the cockpit for flare procedures. The Airbus A220, which began life as the Bombardier CSeries, is also a common sight at the airport and is among the largest aircraft to serve the facility.
Other commercial jets that can operate at London City Airport include the ATR 42, the British Aerospace Jetstream 41, the Saab 2000, and the De Havilland Canada DHC-8-Q400.
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Executive and corporate jets
London City Airport is the smallest of London's airports, but it is also the most centrally located. Its location in a built-up area means there are restrictions on the aircraft that can use it. You won't find large Boeing or Airbus aircraft here, but there are plenty of smaller aircraft that can operate, including executive and corporate jets.
The airport has a single 1,508-metre-long (4,948 ft) runway, and its steep approach and short runway limit the types of aircraft that can be used. Only multi-engine, fixed-wing aircraft with crews certified to fly 5.5-degree approaches (the standard is 3 degrees) can operate here.
There is a wide variety of private jet types available for charter to and from London City Airport. The most popular private jet models include the Hawker 850XP, Challenger 350, Falcon 2000XL, Global 6000, Citation Mustang, and the Gulfstream G-500. Boeing Business Jets (BBJs) are also an option and offer unique amenities such as stand-up cabins and extra bedrooms and bathrooms.
Some of the executive and corporate jets that can use London City Airport include the Cessna CitationJet series, the Beechcraft Super King Air, and the Hawker 400 and 800. The airport's existing jet centre serving corporate aviation is set to be extended as part of the airport's expansion plans.
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Turboprop aircraft
London City Airport is the smallest of London's airports, but its central location makes it unique. Its size and urban location mean that there are several restrictions on aircraft that can use it. The airport has a single runway that is 1,508 metres long and 30 metres wide. This runway is much shorter and narrower than those at other London airports, such as Heathrow.
The airport's location near the Thames River and the city's iconic skyline means that there is a steep approach required for landing, with a rate of descent almost double that of other airports. This approach is at 5.5°, compared with a standard approach of around 3°. This also affects take-off, with aircraft making full use of the available runway and climbing faster than usual. Aircraft must be technically capable of making this approach, and pilots must have a special rating and additional training to handle the steep approach, short take-off, and landing.
Due to these restrictions, you won't find any large Boeing or Airbus aircraft at London City Airport. However, several smaller aircraft can operate there, including turboprop planes. One such turboprop aircraft is the British Aerospace Jetstream 41, which is well-suited for short-haul flights with its distinctive twin-engine configuration. Another example is the de Havilland Canada Dash 7, which was used to demonstrate the feasibility of the STOLport project for London City Airport back in 1982.
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Aircraft with short takeoff capabilities
London City Airport has a unique set of constraints that limit the types of aircraft that can use it. The airport has a single runway that is 1,508 metres (4,948 feet) long. This relatively short runway, combined with the steep approach required for landing, means that only certain aircraft with short-takeoff capabilities can operate at the airport.
The Airbus A318 is one such aircraft that is commonly associated with London City Airport. It is known for its short-takeoff and landing capabilities, making it well-suited for the airport's shorter runway. The A318 has been modified to handle the steep approach, with the addition of spoilers on each wing and warning announcements in the cockpit for flare procedures. This aircraft has become a symbol of innovation, combining advanced technology with sustainability.
The Embraer E-Jet family, including the E190 and E195 series, is another prominent example of aircraft with short-takeoff capabilities that are frequently used at London City Airport. These Brazilian-made aircraft are renowned for their versatility and efficiency, making them ideal for short to medium-haul routes. Their ability to handle steep approaches and short runways makes them a perfect fit for the airport's unique characteristics.
Other aircraft with short-takeoff capabilities that are approved for use at London City Airport include the ATR 42 (both the -ATR 42-300 and ATR 42-500 variants), the British Aerospace Jetstream 41, the Saab 2000, the Cessna CitationJet series, the Beechcraft Super King Air, and the Hawker 400 and 800. These aircraft are well-suited for short-haul flights and regional connectivity, offering reliability and efficiency for travellers.
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Frequently asked questions
London City Airport has a steep approach requiring a rate of descent almost double that of other airports. This means only certain aircraft types are permitted to land there. These include the Airbus A318, Embraer E190/E195 series, Saab 2000, ATR 42, British Aerospace Jetstream 41, Embraer E-Jet family, Airbus A220, and De Havilland Canada DHC-8-Q400.
The Airbus A318 is known for its short takeoff and landing capabilities, making it ideal for London City Airport's shorter runway. It has become a symbol of innovation, combining cutting-edge technology with sustainability.
The Embraer E190/E195 series is renowned for its versatility and efficiency, making it a favourite among airlines operating short to medium-haul routes. Its ability to handle steep approaches and short runways makes it perfect for London City Airport.
Yes, the British Aerospace Jetstream 41 is a turboprop aircraft with a twin-engine configuration that is well-suited for short-haul flights. Another regional aircraft is the Saab 2000, a Swedish-made turboprop aircraft that provides reliable service for short to medium-haul routes.
The Airbus A220, formerly known as the Bombardier CSeries, is one of the largest aircraft serving London City Airport. It offers a unique 3-2 seat layout with five seats per row.
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