Airport News
Below are news items relating to specific airports
CBI hits back on Heathrow runway
Richard Lambert, director-general of the CBI, said there is a "strong consensus" that a new runway at Heathrow much go ahead. He said Heathrow expansion was so important that steeper cuts in carbon emissions must be made in other sectors to allow it to proceed while meeting the government's target of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050. "Other sectors will have to do more, if we think aviation is important" (FT)
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Independent Leader: The case for a third runway has been further eroded
The business models of the airline industry have long been based on the presumption of ever expanding demand for flights and the perpetual indulgence of national governments. Both those presumptions are looking increasingly shaky. Like Britain's ministers, the aviation sector needs to wake up to some stark new economic and environmental realities. (Independent)
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CBI tested in spat over Heathrow runway
The CBI is facing a stern test of its authority as the main voice of business after its supportive stance on Heathrow’s expansion was undermined by a band of prominent executives. Ministers have claimed for months that the scheme has the solid support of business groups such as the British Chambers of Commerce, CBI and London First. But cracks in that unified front have appeared after a letter calling for a halt to the 3rd runway. (FT)
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Business can do without a Heathrow third runway – letter from 13 business leaders
A letter to the Times, signed by 13 top business leaders including Ian Cheshire (Chief Executive, Kingfisher), Russell Chambers (Adviser, Credit Suisse), Jon Moulton (Founder, Alchemy Partners) says it is a misconception that the business community support the Government rationale for a 3rd runway at Heathrow. They say the business benefits are unclear and unproven, and there is little benefit from increased reliance on transfer passengers. (Times)
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Top business executives lead revolt on Heathrow 3rd runway
The leaders of some of Britain’s biggest companies have begun a revolt against plans for a 3rd runway at Heathrow. The campaign includes chief executives of leading companies – J Sainsbury, Carphone Warehouse, Kingfisher, and Compass. One group member said many people in business have misgivings about the decision on the 3rd runway, and it's possible to be pro-transport, pro-aviation and yet, at the same time, pro responsible citizenship - and the real business case for the expansion has not been made. (Sunday Times)
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Mock funeral by Heathrow Cherry Lane Cemetery runway protesters
Activists opposed to a 3rd runway at Heathrow held a mock funeral to highlight a cemetery which could be affected. Campaigners fear a dual carriageway may be built through Cherry Lane Cemetery in Harlington to link the planned runway and a 6th terminal. Activists marched from Trafalgar Square to Westminster led by a hearse, and a second event at Harlingdon. BAA say they have scrapped the plans, but Cherry Lane Against Development doubt the promise. (BBC)
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Liverpool John Lennon Airport stake up for sale
Airport owner Peel is planning to sell up to a 49% stake in its airport business, and it wants to splash out £12.5m on revamping security and shopping facilities. It denies the new developments are dependent on getting an investor on-board, and they want a new partner to help further develop the assets of the company, which includes greenfield land. The planned revamp of facilities is to boost retail sales, as currently passengers can bypass the shops. (Echo)
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Ferrovial receives depressed bids for Gatwick
Ferrovial received at least 2 bids for Gatwick on Monday as the first part of the forced break-up of BAA. The offer prices, estimated by analysts to be in the range of £1.3bn to £1.5bn, due to the recession, a steep decline in traffic etc, were well below Ferrovial's expectations of last September, when it hoped to attract bids in the range of £1.8bn to £2bn. Offers were submitted by Global Infrastructure Partners and a consortium led by MAG. (FT)
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Government deals further blow to Stansted runway plans
Figures contained in last week’s Budget Report – and their impact on the DfT forecasts for UK air travel demand – show that the gloomier outlook for the UK economy means that a new Stansted runway would not be needed before 2030 at the very earliest. SSE calculates that now demand forecasts for Stansted will reduce to about 42.7 million passengers by 2030, well within the capacity of the existing runway. BAA had anticipated 68 million passengers by 2030. (SSE)
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Gatwick bidders say second runway is vital
Despite concerns about pollution and the environment, the bidders wanting to buy Gatwick each argue that a 2nd runway is crucial, if they are to be able to compete effectively with BAA. An earlier government pledge guarantees no new runway would be built until at least 2019. GACC argues why a 2nd runway is a non-starter, partly as there is no physical space for it between Horley and Crawley, and there is massive local opposition including councils and MPs.