The A318 successfully demonstrated its suitability to operate from London City Airport, which is situated in the heart of central London. With its short runway and strict noise restrictions, the use of London City Airport - until now - has been limited to only small regional jets and turboprop-powered aircraft.

The smallest member of Airbus' aircraft family, the A318, flew into London's City Airport for the first time on May 13. It successfully carried out a series of technical tests as part of a programme to demonstrate its suitability to operate at the airport.

The aircraft spent around one and a half hours at the airport, being tested by both Airbus and airport mechanics and engineers. The successful completion of the tests means the aircraft would become the first mainline jet able to operate from the airport.

Due to the shortness of the airport's runway, aircraft operating at London City must be able to demonstrate 'steep approach' capability - in other words, an approach at up to 7.5 degrees, 4.5 degrees higher than the usual 3 degree approach at classic-length runways. The A318 was granted steep approach certification in March of this year.

Situated in the heart of central London, City Airport is popular with business travellers looking for quick flights to other major destinations in Europe. The type of aircraft able to operate at the airport is limited by the short runway and noise restrictions that are among the strictest in the UK. Currently only small regional aircraft and turboprops can serve the airport.

Operating the A318 from London City would mean that destinations currently out of the range of these smaller aircraft, throughout Europe and North Africa, would become easily reachable. The A318 'Elite' corporate jet would be able to fly even further, such as to Dubai in the Middle East. 

FMI: www.airbus.com