New technology which will make landings more accurate and efficient is on its way to Southend Airport.

In a bid to comply with Government legislation, the airport will be introducing a new performance based navigation system - which allows planes to land with greater accuracy.

The technology is inspired by GPS – which is used to power sat navs – rather than traditional ground based air traffic control.

To take advantage of the improved technology, some additional flight paths have been drawn up by airport bosses. They want hear feedback from people living under the flight paths and others who may be affected.

Where it has not been possible to replicate existing routes, new designs have been drawn up.

They have been created with a balance between efficiency and environmental impact in mind.

Where possible, routes have been diverted from heavily populated areas in a bid to minimise disruption for people living in the area.

In the consultation document, an airport spokesman said: “We seek to take advantage of the improved navigational capabilities to introduce additional route options which minimise impact to people on the ground.

“In essence we have maintained current flight paths where possible and minimised the number of new people impacted.”

The benefits of the new navigation system mean that the airport will operate with a safer, more efficient traffic control system – requiring less intervention from air traffic controllers.

It will also allow planes to land more efficiently – leading to reduced costs, reduced flying times and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

The more predictable flight paths over populated areas will generate less noise.

It will also allow planes to use less fuel and stay higher in the air for longer.

Those interested in the proposed changes are invited to take part in the consultation, which will be open until Wednesday, September 13.

The airport is keen to hear from national and local bodies, groups and organisations.

Both Kent and Essex councils and MPs have also been consulted, as well as airlines, airfields, flying clubs, private jet operators and any other airspace users.

To view the documents or take part in the consultation, visit southendairport.com/corporate-and-community/proposed-arrival-routes