Airport News
Below are news items relating to specific airports
Wake up… we need Boris Island, ministers are told
One of Boris Johnson's advisers, Daniel Moylan, has launched an attack on the Government to force them to "wake up" to the need for new airport near London. He claims the Coalition's aviation policy is wrong and London risks no longer being considered a "world city" if the need for increased air capacity in the South-East is ignored. Boris says a new Thames airport Thames would be "the most powerful single statement we could make about the ambition of this country".
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Aviation industry and politicians in Northern Ireland lobby for lower APD
There are fears in Northern Ireland that its economic competitiveness could be threatened by APD, in particular as the tax is lower in the Replublic of Ireland (at only €3). The Executive wants Northern Ireland to be made a special case, like the outlaying Scottish islands, which are exempt from APd. As with corporation tax, it believes the province qualifies for special treatment because it borders another country that can undercut it tax-wise.
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Ryanair pulls last route from Aberdeen Airport
Ryanair is to pull its only remaining route from Aberdeen, following a breakdown in talks with BAA. The airline said it would end its Aberdeen to Dublin route ib 28th October, claiming BAA had refused to extend a low-cost deal. The airport said the route was served by other carriers. Ryanair said BAA failed to match the competitive cost deals which are available to Ryanair elsewhere. The route had not proved profitable.
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BA ready to bid for BMI’s take off slots to expand at Heathrow
BA is likely to bid for Lufthansa-owned BMI, the 2nd biggest operator at Heathrow airport. Lufthansa wants to sell or break up BMI, which is loss-making. IAG wants BMI, not for the whole airline, but for its valuable take off and landing slots at overcrowded Heathrow. BMI has 11%pc of Heathrow'scapacity – valued at £770m 3 years ago – while BA controls 42% and Iberia 2%. Any addition would raise regulatory and monopoly issues that need to be overcome.
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Bimingham airport to get subsidy out of public funds for its runway
Here is another subsidy to the aviation industry. Birmingham council has issued invitations to tender for the runway extension and road diversion - about £70 million. It seems Birmingham and other councils will pay for the road, and the airport for the runway extension. But the councils are majority shareholders in the airport. There is also a pledge of £15.7m from the Regional Growth Fund. So while severe spending cuts are being made, the public has to fund airport growth.
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Stobart group hits back at Carlisle airport critics and claims flights are viable
Stobart Group has tabled documents with Carlisle City Council outlining proposals for regular passenger flights to London Southend, Belfast and Dublin. It says less frequent flights could operate to Inverness, Cardiff, Bristol, Southampton, Exeter, the Isle of Man and Channel Islands, and possibly European destinations. And that Carlisle can become an air-freight hub for Tesco, flying in perishable goods from Spain and Holland for delivery to supermarkets.
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Call for Lydd Airport expansion inquiry to be extended
Campaigners opposing the airport's expansion plans have called for a public inquiry, which ends in 2 weeks, to be extended. The airport in Kent wants to lengthen its runway and build a new terminal to provide an international service. The new runway would be within 0.3 miles of Greatstone Primary School, and campaigners want more evidence on the noise impacts on the school as it was important the childrens' education did not suffer.
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New report shows Heathrow has better business connectivity than any European rivals and is “In a Class of its Own”
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Birmingham Airport chief warns of Coventry rival’s impact
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