Economic Regulation of NERL: Final proposals for modifying the Licence to support the implementation of a UK Airspace Design Service

This consultation document sets out the CAA’s proposed modifications to the conditions of NATS (En Route) Plc’s (NERL) air traffic services licence in support of DfT’s and CAA’s decision to create a new UK Airspace Design Service. This document includes final proposals for the: regulatory arrangements necessary to require NERL to create a UK Airspace Design Service, UK Airspace Coordination Service and administer an Airspace Design Support Fund; creation of an Airspace Design Charge so that NERL can recover the associated costs of these activities; and modifications we propose to make to NERL’s economic licence. This consultation takes account of stakeholder responses to the June 2025 Initial Proposals Consultation and will close on 20 January 2026. In support of our final proposals, we have also published a spreadsheet model (CAP3164A) that provides cost projections and calculates charging outputs referenced in the consultation. More information, including the background document Mode