Airline executive plans Heathrow replacement in Kent
08.08.11
A former Cathay Pacific executive is hoping to build a new £15 billion airport in the marshy flatlands of North Kent to replace Heathrow, AOL reports. The concept of an estuary airport has already won the backing of mayor of London, Boris Johnson.
John Olsen wants to turn a barren site at Cliffe into a three-runway airport capable of handling 100 million passengers a year. He is frustrated that Heathrow is operating at about 98% capacity with no potential for expansion in the short-term, and believes that the Government has the opportunity to rebuild Britain's aviation reputation at the site in Kent.
The 600 acre site is already owned by the Government through the Port of London Authority, and is located 30 miles from central London with good transport links to the city. Mr Olsen believes that the plan would take 10 years to complete.
He pushing the plan via the Independent Aviation Advisory Group (IAAG). It is reported that IAAG has already had preliminary talks with potential backers and no taxpayer money would be required.
He claims that London Gateway Airport, as it would be known, would cost £35 billion less than a recent rival scheme by architect Norman Foster, based in the Thames estuary, which has won the support of London Mayor Boris Johnson.
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