BATA reaction to interim report by Airports Commission

“There is much to digest in the interim report from the Airports Commission. BATA welcomes the clear recognition from the Commission that there will need to be net additional runway capacity in the south east of England, where demand is greatest, in the coming decades. We do not currently have a preference for the best options or sites, but along with our member airlines, will be considering the shortlist in more detail over the coming months.

“It is now up to Sir Howard and his team to work on the shortlist of options, making sure they consider both cost and value for money as part of their assessment criteria.

“At the same time, politicians of all stripes must commit to supporting and implementing the Commission’s final recommendations when they are published in summer 2015.

“The Commission’s findings have to be the final word on the crucial question of airport capacity for a considerable length of time. The UK cannot afford further procrastination and delay in dealing with this issue.

“We note the recommendations from the Commission for improving capacity in the short and medium term and will be considering these with our members. The implementation of any of these recommendations should serve to improve the resilience of airports. The recent recommendations by the Commission and undertakings by the Government on improving surface access to airports are particularly positive.

“BATA will also continue to support growth and the need to secure capacity at regional airports. Given the crucial role they play in the UK’s infrastructure, it is vital that connectivity between the regions and any newly created capacity in the south east is preserved and enhanced.”