General News
Below are links to stories of general interest in relation to aviation and airports.
London 2012 Olympics – Temporary Controlled Airspace Consultation
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Greener Growth of aviation – Views sought in new aviation policy consultation
Britain's aviation industry should be able to grow and prosper but not at any price, Philip Hammond said as the Government set out to define the debate for a new sustainable UK aviation policy. Government is seeking views on the shape its future aviation policy should take and issues it must address. The central theme will be how aviation can support economic growth while addressing its environmental impacts - CO2 emissions, local noise and air quality issues.
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Aviation Scoping Document published today – a chance to “drag UK aviation policy into the 21st century”
The government's Scoping Document on Aviation is launched today for consultation. In terms of coverage it focuses on the 3 themes of aviation & the economy; aviation & climate change; and aviation & local environment. The starting point will be that aviation should be allowed to grow because of its economic contribution but that it should do so within environmental limits. It reiterates the position on no new runways at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted.
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easyJet: 9 million ‘bogus’ holiday sick days taken every year – costs UK nearly £1 billion annually
easyJet estimates that more than 9 million sick days are being taken in the UK each year to accommodate inflexible package holiday deals – costing the economy nearly £1 billion. This is due to inflexible package holiday dates and flight times, so many take a bogus sick day rather than book an extra day of holiday, or miss out on a cut price deal. easyJet Holidays is therefore offering more flexibility, to avoid the need for inconvenient extra days.
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Survey: 90% of Travellers Vote Rail and prefer the ease of trip over air travel hassles
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Bosses call for airports rethink and claim we mustn’t ignore the “economic benefits of flying”
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Public perceptions of aviation and the environment need to be turned around, says UK CAA chief
Chief Exec of the CAA told a conference that as other sectors decarbonise, proportionally the impact of aviation is going to grow, as aviation growth continues. He said "The industry needs a credible line on the environment. And just as importantly, it needs to stick to it.” And "aviation needs to stop sticking its collective head in the sand, and make the environment a top priority.” By contrast, the industry hopes for 5% annual demand growth.
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EasyJet looking to attract more corporate business
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Budget 2011: George Osborne’s plans are a disaster for the environment (Monbiot)
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Budget 2011: Government to reduce stake in Nats air traffic control business
The national air traffic controller has joined the Channel tunnel rail link on the state auction table as the government pushed on with its asset disposal plans. The budget confirmed plans to further reduce its 49% stake in Nats, the business it co-owns with 7 UK airlines and airport operator BAA. However, government sources said no decision had been made on the scale of the stake sale. (Guardian)