ABTA/FTO chiefs hit out at ‘illogical’ Tory plans for Heathrow
Conservative plans to abandon development of a third runway at Heathrow in favour of a new high speed rail line has been condemned by ABTA as “illogicalâ€.
ABTA has written to shadow transport secretary Theresa Villiers, describeing the Conservative plans as “illogical, ill-conceived and totally unworkableâ€.
Chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “The Conservative Party announcement that they are against airport expansion at Heathrow and will actively discourage aviation travel is totally illogical.
“A knee-jerk reaction is not what is needed, particularly when many thousands of jobs depend on aviation and inward investment could well be threatened.
“What about travellers from Scotland, Northern Ireland and the regions who have no choice but to use Heathrow as their gateway to international destinations – their plight seems to have been totally overlooked?
“I have written to Theresa Villiers highlighting the serious implications of following this course of action and asking her to reconsider this policy stance.â€
ABTA´s ire emerged at the Travel Convention in Gran Canaria following Villiers telling the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham that Tories would say ‘no’ to a third runway at Heathrow in favour of expansion of a national high speed rail network.
Federation of Tour Operators director general Andy Cooper joined in the condemnation, claiming the Conservatives had “misjudged the mood of the country” as the major issue for voters now is the economy.
“For the economy to grow, aviaition must not be restricted,” he said.
Tanzer added: “High-speed rail has its place as part as an integrated transport system but should be seen as complementary to air travel – not an expensive substitute.
“Lack of capacity at our airports is damaging our economy it is bad for customers, bad for the industry and ultimately bad for the environment when we have planes in holding patterns across the skies above our heads waiting for landing slots.â€
Tanzerand Cooper join British Airways and other airlines in attacking the Tory plans.
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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