09 October 2008

Travelmole Guest Comment: ABTA is Ã¢â¬Ëœshort-sightedÃ¢â¬â¢ over Tory plans for Heathrow

Co-operative Travel managing director Mike Greenacre explains why a third runway at Heathrow is not the answer.

"Since the launch of our travel ethical strategy in the summer we have been very clear in our opposition to a third runway at Heathrow and, in principle, other new runways across the UK.

Our analysis of future aviation emissions projections, provided by the Department for Transport, shows that its forecast growth is completely at odds with our target to reduce emissions by 80% by 2050.

However, our research also showed that if the industry is prepared to make a rapid improvement in efficiency, it has the potential for moderate growth within its current emissions levels.

Through the combination of measures, including better air traffic management, lighter air frame design and more efficient engines, it is possible for the aviation sector to improve efficiency at the rate of 1% to 2% per year.

If pursued aggressively, this would allow the sector to grow moderately while staying within its current emissions levels.

Contrary to what Mark Tanzer says, it is not a lack of capacity at Heathrow that is damaging our economy and the environment. The situation could be improved through better management of the airport and an investment in new technology.

We should seize this opportunity to make a difference, and rather than criticising the Tory plans, examine the options available instead of dismissing them. Not to do this would be short-sighted in the extreme.

In conjunction with Forum for the Future we have recently commissioned a study into, amongst other methods of overland travel, the feasibility of rail travel as a viable alternative to flying. The study, entitled Overland Heaven, found that overland travel has the potential to offer an interesting and lower carbon alternative to flying, but that work is needed with key decision makers from relevant organisations to make this practical, time neutral and cost effective.

Forum for the Future will be announcing full details of the next steps of Overland HeavenÃ¢â¬â¢in the months ahead. Perhaps we should be looking into technological enhancements, including improving the overland transport infrastructure, to make this a reality, rather than putting our heads in the sand and trying to build new runways."