BA calls on Government to back Heathrow expansion
20.10.11
British Airways has called on the Government to address the lack of new hub airport capacity in the south east urgently, travelmole reports. Responding to the Government’s ‘Developing a sustainable framework for UK aviation’ consultation, the airline warned that in order to support the UK economy there must be additional airport capacity.
In its submission, the airline says that aviation supports more than 900,000 jobs in the UK and provides vital transport links for businesses across the country. But London is in danger of ‘stagnating’ and falling behind competitors due to a lack of airport capacity.
BA's Chief executive, Keith Williams, said: ‘The Government must take action now. There are no easy choices, but avoiding these choices will undermine the UK aviation and aerospace industry and to hinder the economic recovery. We are already falling behind other European hubs in providing services to the booming markets of China and India. This will only continue unless the Government commits to allowing sustainable growth. The UK Government has a choice. It can pursue sustainable growth, or simply manage a steady decline.’
The airline’s submission also dismissed plans for a high-speed rail link between Gatwick and Heathrow, and the creation of a ‘virtual hub’. It said that both airports currently operate at full capacity, and the logistical challenges would prove insurmountable.
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