Business leaders condemn Heathrow expansion

BUSINESS leaders in Birmingham have again come out against plans to expand facilities at Heathrow claiming an expansion of regional airports offers the best option for wealth generation outside of the South East.

Speaking in response to the Airports’ Commission latest deliberations, Birmingham Airport chief executive Paul Kehoe said: “We are clear that the answer is a network of national long-haul airports, plugging all regions into global growth opportunities, not an even larger hub at Heathrow which would draw more business into an already overheated South East.

“Birmingham Airport had its busiest year ever in 2014, which shows that passengers and businesses want good value and to fly direct, which can only be achieved through competition. Gatwick is the only option being offered by Sir Howard Davies that would provide this competition, benefitting passengers at Birmingham, Heathrow, Gatwick and beyond.”

The airport had last week expressed serious concerns about the validity of research being sent to the Commission, claiming it failed to consider regional expansion.

“Analysis of the Airports Commission’s research raises serious concerns that the potential negative effects of Heathrow expansion on our regional economies has not been properly considered. According to this analysis, Heathrow expansion would be more likely to exacerbate rather than mitigate regional imbalances,” added Keogh.

His stance has been supported by the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.

Chamber chief executive Jerry Blackett said: “Our region has a larger trade surplus with North America than any other in the UK, and is the only region to have a positive balance of trade with China. This is down to the strength of our financial services, manufacturing and engineering sectors and more, all of which are supported by our long-haul connectivity to markets around the world.

“The right decision for our region is the one that allows more businesses to fly direct, not one that could draw more business to Heathrow and the South East.”

Latest figures show Birmingham Airport handled 9,707,449 passengers in 2014; an increase of 6.5% compared to 2013, including a 7.2% in long-haul.