Birmingham Airport's opposition to Coventry 'naked commercialism'
11.01.06
Birmingham International Airport has been accused of 'naked commercialism' in its attempts to halt development of a rival hub. The claim was made by Coventry Airport during the opening day of a public inquiry into its proposed permanent terminal - capable of handling 2 million passengers a year.
Birmimgham International Airport opposes planning permission being granted to the terminal because of fears increased operations at the nearby Baginton airport will hinder its own plans for a second runway. In its opening submission, Coventry said the Birminghams objections were 'misconceived and threadbare, exposing the naked commercialism beneath'.
The inquiry centres on permission for the construction of a passenger terminal, airport parking, aircraft parking and improved access to the airport. The remarks were made at the meeting at Leamington Town Hall as the QC for Coventry Airport said the plans would not have a material impact on ecology, nature conservation or bird strike risk, but would improve the unemployment situation in the region.
John Steel, QC, for Birmingham Airport, said: 'Coventry Airport is located approximately 11 miles south-east of Birmingham International and lies beneath, but within the lateral limit of the Birmingham-controlled airspace area. Such close proximity combined with the conflicting alignment of the runways approximately at right angles, creates an interface between traffic patterns of the two airports.
'This currently results in delays to some air traffic at Birmingham International Airport and Coventry Airport at peak periods.' He added the airspace conflict between the two airports had been recognised by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) but stressed the importance of making Birmingham's expansion plans a priority over Coventry's, in line with a Government's Aviation White Paper.
Representatives for the CAA are to give evidence regarding the impact of airspace conflict in the coming weeks. The hearing continues.
To book coventry airport hotels or coventry airport parking at the lowest price, click on these links to two great coventry airport parking and coventry airport hotels price comparison websites.
