For those who are not quite sure what Free Route Airspace (FRA) is, take a look at this Eurocontrol video:-
Europe needs to implement FRA as widely as possible across the whole ECAC airspace, and for individual states to develop the Terminal Area (TMA) route structures so that they maximise flight efficiency and throughput (not always mutually compatible) and which connects with the surrounding FRA. If this is done correctly for the London TMA, these routes will then be compatible with the FRA across France, Belgium, Holland and Denmark to the east and to the joint UK/Irish FRA airspace to the west.
I sincerely hope this is the aim of the this work on the London TMA. The main problem will be the public outcry when certain minimum noise routes are changed. But aircraft a good deal quieter these days. The
PR drive should be directed towards describing the benefits of the greater flight efficiency (reduced fuel burn and emissions) and the reduction of holding delays (also reducing fuel burn and emissions) and improving punctuality.
Pie in the sky - I hope not!!