Airline industry is demanding more capacity
THREE airline industry trade bodies will join forces today to call for an increase in Britain’s flight capacity in order to boost global competitiveness.
ADS Group, the Airport Operators Association and the British Air Transport Association spoke out as the government prepares for a consultation on aviation, including plans for a new multi-runway hub airport.
The trade bodies, representing over 2,800 aviation manufacturers, airports and airlines, said Britain needs “point to point” airports and hub capacity to be top class.
“This means prioritising a favourable planning and regulatory regime and developing a bold aviation policy, permitting new airport capacity where required. To ensure there is no further erosion of the UK’s competitive position, the government must set a clear timetable for these measures to be put in place.”
London Mayor Boris Johnson has long called for a new hub airport in the Thames Estuary. It has been opposed on environmental and cost grounds, however, as the final bill could be between £40m and £50m.
The three trade bodies have not endorsed a particular solution but want ministers to speed-up decision-making about the industry.