Today's report on Heathrow Airport, by London First, is regressive and would push it down the table of leading airports.

It advocates reduced flights and questions the value of transfer passengers, who make up a third of all passengers, approximately >20 million per annum.

BAR UK strongly disagrees on both matters.

Commenting on the report, Mike Carrivick, Chief Executive, 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.

'It's rather bizarre that an organization promoting the development of London proposes reducing the economic and transport activity that is so vital for the world's leading city. This proposal is a big backward step.

'Certainly, service improvements are required, but they would only be tinkering at the edges of the core problem: the lack of runway capacity.

'Subject to the required approval, we advocate the introduction of Mixed Mode runway operations until a third runway is built. This new runway is the key to resolving the capacity issues.

'It's also difficult to rationalise the belief that 20+ million transfer passengers per year make little economic contribution. Such numbers provide a massive business in themselves, and are key drivers to the success of 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