BAR UK, the trade association that represents 90 scheduled airlines doing business in the United Kingdom, today responded to the government consultation on the future of air transport.

In terms of capacity in the south-east of the country, where the need is greatest, the options BAR UK members would like to see developed are as follows:

• A new short runway at Heathrow which could help to restore domestic services that have been squeezed out and to ensure that short haul feeder services from other European points are allowed to develop fully, whilst maintaining the long haul services operating from the two main runways.
  
  
• Further runway capacity should be provided at Stansted.
  
  
• At Gatwick consideration must be given to developing more runway capacity after 2019 when the current agreement limiting development runs out.
  
  

The short runway at London Heathrow will allow the airport to become competitive again with airports in continental Europe. Heathrow used to be the airport serving most destinations but it has been overtaken in recent years by Frankfurt, Paris and Amsterdam. The Heathrow short runway should be operational by 2012.

BAR UK members recognise that aviation must develop in an environmentally sustainable manner. The industry has done much over recent years to reduce its negative effects on the environment. In co-operation with aircraft and engine manufacturers, airport operators and the air traffic control authorities BAR UK members wish to continue minimising their impact on the environment in the future. Meantime the authorities responsible for planning in the areas surrounding airports must take account of the development of aviation and safeguard land around airports for aviation use.

BAR UK recognises that the recent court ruling requiring the government to include options for development at Gatwick in their consultation, will affect the process. However, it is to be hoped that the White Paper will not be unduly delayed. A policy to restore the competitive edge for our members is needed now.

...ENDS

For further information contact:
Peter North,
Chief Executive,
BAR UK

Tel:	020 7393 1261
Fax:	020 7393 1206
Email:	peter.north@bar-uk.org