Welcoming the Airports Commission?s recommendation that ?the best answer is to expand Heathrow?s runway capacity?, Heathrow announced that it work with Government to deliver expansion for all of Britain.
The Commission?s final recommendation follows three years of consultation, evidence gathering and analysis confirming that Heathrow?s new plan can be delivered while reducing its local and environmental impacts. It confirms that it can be delivered within carbon and air quality limits and with significantly fewer people impacted by aircraft noise than today.
The Commission has urged the Government to make an early decision on its recommendations, saying that ?further delay will be increasingly costly and will be seen, nationally and internationally, as a sign that the UK is unwilling or unable to take the steps needed to maintain its position as a well-connected open trading economy in the twenty first century.?
The proposed benefits of a Heathrow expansion include:
- Delivery of up to ?147billion economic benefit
- Creation of 40 new long-haul connections to emerging growth markets around the world.
- Linked to 16 regional airports and within three hours of 70% of the country through improved road and rail links.
- Increased competition and choice for passengers. Over 30 airlines are waiting to enter Heathrow or add new services once new capacity is provided.
- Reduce aircraft noise compared to today and be delivered within the Government?s carbon and air quality targets.
John Holland-Kaye, chief executive of the airport said: ?This debate has never been about a runway, it?s been about the future we want for Britain. Expanding Heathrow will keep Britain as one of the world?s great trading nations, right at the heart of the global economy.
?Our new plans have been designed around the needs of local communities and will meet carbon, air quality and noise targets, and provides the greatest benefit to the UK?s connectivity and its long term economic growth. The Commission has backed a positive and ambitious vision for Britain. We will now work with Government to deliver it.?
