19 October 2009

Heathrow third runway Ã¢â¬' in Birmingham?

Birmingham Airport has put itself forward as a "practically instantaneous" way to reduce the pressure on Heathrow amid debate over a proposed third runway at the London hub.

Another nine million passengers could be accommodated at Birmingham within the existing infrastructure.

Birmingham also claims to be the only airport with a significant planning consent for a runway extension already agreed.

A master plan to 2030 sees 18 million more passengers using Birmingham.

"Birmingham is not seeking to transplant the Heathrow operation in its entirety, but South East traffic could form an element of Birmingham’s wider portfolio," an airport statement said.

"Around 50% of the UK population is less than a two-hour drive from Birmingham. High speed rail could bring them much nearer, with central London only 40 minutes away, putting Birmingham in ‘Zone 4’ of the Underground Map."

CEO Paul Kehoe said: "Birmingham is ready to respond to any current or future government initiatives.

"We already attract passengers from the home counties who choose the convenience, choice and accessibility of Birmingham over other alternatives.

"We have plenty of capacity and, linked to high-speed rail, we are uniquely positioned to not only claw back people from our own region, who make the long journey to Heathrow, but to attract passengers from the overheated South East.

"We will not just be London's third runway as we have our own traffic - but by attracting those who waver towards Heathrow to use Birmingham instead, will create jobs and help to rebuild the local economy.

"Positioned at the heart of the country we are perfectly placed for those visitors from abroad who want to experience all that the region, and further afield, has to offer. Birmingham’s reputation continues to rise and is truly a destination which provides the perfect base for foreign visitors."

by Phil Davies

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Your Comments (2)

Heathrow's 3rd runway existing

It's already at Farnborough, all it needs is a terminal and a 17 mile hi-speed monorail to connecct the two sites

By Paul Neaves, Monday, October 19, 2009
Just as long as....

Though I am not about to comment upon how Birmingham under-flight-path residents might feel about this, the underpinning logic seems pretty strong.... ... as long as no-one calls it LHR (Birmingham) Airport....! Tony

By Tony Jolley, Monday, October 19, 2009