Today's RMT report that UK rail services could provide an alternative to short-haul flights, so obviating the need for a third runway at Heathrow, is flawed for two main reasons.

This report:

• is essentially London-focussed, and fails to recognize that a significant percentage of passengers on domestic routes are transferring to or from other flights,
• ignores their own finding that 80% of the routes operated at Heathrow cannot be reached by rail

Heathrow is full to bursting, and investment plans, which do not involve any public spending, have already been prepared. Even allowing for the planning and approval processes that still have to be undertaken for the expansion of Heathrow, they will still be far ahead of any delivery in respect of additional high-speed rail networks.

These expansion plans do not affect any public spending aspirations that the RMT may have with Government.

The Chief Executive of BAR UK, Mike Carrivick, said:

'The debate should not be about planes or trains. It is not one or the other. Instead it should be about how soon rail links to Heathrow can be improved.

'Heathrow is not an airport that relies on a hub-and-spoke operation for individual airlines, but it is a major centre for travellers requiring a change of aircraft en route, from one airline to another. If this model is supposedly so out of date, then why is it so successful at competing airports in Europe and the Middle East?

'It is vital that public transport access to Heathrow, and the other major UK airports, is improved.

'Airlines would welcome the addition of new rail links to Heathrow, and we look forward to working with rail stakeholders to achieve those aims.

'BAR UK played a significant role in saving the Gatwick Express service because of its belief in the vital role rail services play in airport surface access. We would welcome the opportunity to play our part in supporting enhanced rail services to Heathrow.'

For editors:
The Board of Airline Representatives in the UK (BAR UK) Ltd represents 90+ scheduled airlines in this country in their dealings with Government, government departments, regulators and airport operators. Full details of its work, and the Board, can be found on www.bar-uk.org.

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For further information contact:

Mike Carrivick, FRAeS
Chief Executive BAR UK
Tel: 020 7393 1261
Fax: 020 7393 1206
Mobile: 07747 612840