Response Exceeds Airports Commission’s Package Of Conditions, Executive Says

Heathrow has announced it will meet and, in most cases, exceed the conditions set out in the Airports Commission’s recommendation for Heathrow expansion.

In July last year, the independent Airports Commission unanimously and unambiguously recommended expanding Heathrow, after a three year, £20 million (approx. $29 million) study into the best option for maintaining the UK’s global aviation hub status.

Heathrow Chief Executive John Holland-Kaye has written to the Prime Minister setting out a world leading, ambitious and affordable plan which balances the huge national and local economic gain from expansion with the environmental impacts. In the letter, he highlighted what he said was Heathrow’s place as a “cornerstone” of Britain’s economic security for the last 70 years and a symbol of an outward looking country.

“You set up the Airports Commission and it unanimously recommended expanding Heathrow, Holland-Kaye said in the letter. "You demanded ambitious plans from my team to deliver expansion with a bold and fair deal for our neighbors. 

“Today, I am proud to submit a comprehensive plan that meets and exceeds your demands. This is a big commitment from us, but it is the right choice for the country, local communities and jobs across Britain. 

“We have acted now to let you and your government make the right choice, in the long term interest of our country.   It will enable you to choose Heathrow and secure a stronger economy and Britain’s place in the world. 

“Expanding Heathrow can help Britain win thousands more jobs and ensure that future generations have the same economic opportunity that we have enjoyed."

Holland-Kaye said Heathrow is committed to working with airlines to deliver an expanded Heathrow that is affordable for passengers and airlines, whilst giving the fairest deal to local communities. 

Its formal response to the Commission includes:

• The introduction of a ban by Government on scheduled flights for six and a half hours between 2300 and 0530 – an increase from five hours today -  and supporting the earlier introduction of the ban after planning consent is received and the necessary airspace has been modernized.
• A proposal for the Environment Agency to  be given the role of an independent aviation air quality authority, to provide transparent scrutiny of the measures Heathrow will introduce to enable it to expand only in accordance with air quality rules.
• Establishing an Education and Skills Taskforce that will identify how best to develop the airport’s future skilled workforce and to create a legacy for UK infrastructure projects.

(Image provided with Heathrow Airport news release)

FMI: www.heathrow.com