ABTA backs new runways at Heathrow and Gatwick

ABTA claims it supports a new runway at both Heathrow and Gatwick as well as runway extensions at Birmingham and Edinburgh or Glasgow.

The trade association said it also supported expansion of other regional airports but not as a substitute for additional capacity in the South East, as part of its response to the Government's Aviation Strategy consultation.

ABTA warned the Government that there must not be a restriction on leisure flights at busier airports in favour of business traffic.

It says any attempt to manipulate traffic from the Government would hamper the growth of the outbound sector, which it claims accounts for 1.6% of UK GDP - as well as limiting choice for UK citizens.

The 2012 ABTA Consumer Survey showed that 62% of passengers strongly favoured flying from their local airport and 50% of flyers do not want to travel more than one hour to their departure airport.

ABTA also highlighted the importance of the Government holding a review on the impact of APD on the economy and considering APD as part of the whole aviation policy framework.

Mark Tanzer, CEO ABTA said: "The airport capacity debate has been going on for too long whilst our European neighbours have been continuing to invest in their infrastructure.

"It is vital these plans take into account the needs of all types of aviation, whether it is cargo, business or leisure. We must at all costs avoid a situation where there is a hierarchy of importance for aviation."

Tuesday, October 23, 2012