Lack of long-haul flights costing Birmingham business dear Blackett tells MPs
BUSINESSES in the West Midlands are not being given the opportunity to compete in the global marketplace because airlines are being allowed too much say in the direction of current aviation policy.
Jerry Blackett, chief executive of the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Group, said the situation was costing the region – and country as a whole – jobs and growth.
Mr Blackett, giving evidence to MPs at the Transport Select Committee’s inquiry into the UK’s aviation sector, said the demand from businesses for more regional services was clear but gaining access to some of the high growth markets was not easy.
The chamber is advocating for an extension of services at Birmingham Airport, which currently has surplus capacity.
Mr Blackett said: “The demand is there from businesses in the Midlands for direct services to high-growth markets.
“Rather than listening to the needs of businesses and passengers, aviation policy is currently dictated by the airlines. As a result, businesses in the Midlands are not being given the opportunity to compete in the global marketplace and it is costing the country jobs and growth.”
The chamber head said he heard from businesses on a virtual daily basis who were crying out for long-haul flights to places such as India and China.
“Businesses tell me that they want direct, long-haul services from Birmingham Airport so that they can better compete in the global marketplace. The demand for new routes is there, but airlines are currently dictating our national aviation policy,” he added.
“The lack of direct aviation connectivity is costing the country growth and jobs and this has to change. The Government must listen to the needs of businesses and passengers and do whatever it takes to put the economy first.
“My message is clear – Birmingham and the wider Midlands region are ready to trade with the world and we need airlines to start connecting us to it.”
