Heathrow Decision – Birmingham Airport reaction
THE integrity of Birmingham Airport has to be maintained in the wake of the Airports Commission’s decision to recommend a third runway at Heathrow, Birmingham business chiefs have said.
Paul Kehoe, chief executive of Birmingham Airport, said it was important that the race to expand capacity in the South East should not be at the expense of airports such as Birmingham, which were viable regional hubs.
In the run-up to the Airports Commission report, Birmingham Airport has continued to argue for a strategic network of long-haul airports throughout the UK, each supporting the comparative economic advantage of that region.
However, the Airports Commission has made an individual recommendation to Government for the Heathrow Northwest Runway scheme to be taken forward.
But the ultimate decision will rest with the Government and it is known there are longstanding concerns within the higher echelons of the Conservative Party to such a move.
Responding to the Commission’s recommendations, Kehoe said: “Over the past three years the Airports Commission has explored numerous options for resolving the South-East congestion, and we are incredibly grateful to all those in the region who have supported our case for a network of airports.
“Given the significant levels of growth we have seen at Birmingham Airport within this period, especially in long-haul routes, we urge the Government to move ahead with caution so as not to damage the ability of regional airports to grow.
“The Midlands is a powerful engine of growth at the heart of our country and needs direct aviation to succeed. With our £200m investment in the airport, including our runway extension allowing for this summer’s extended series of direct flights to Beijing, we are doing all we can to support the region’s businesses and leisure passengers.
“Whilst the Government continues to review all the evidence before it, Birmingham Airport looks forward to continuing the expansion of our long-haul offering in support of the region’s economy.”
Paul Faulkner, new CEO of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, has also responded to the decision by the Commission.
He agreed that the Government had to move forward in a way that protected the viability of airports such as Birmingham.
“Businesses tell us they want to be able to fly directly to their markets and not have to go through West London. We know the Government needs to deal with congestion in the South East, but we urge Ministers to move ahead in a way that does not restrict Birmingham’s own room to grow,” he said.
