"BAR UK lobbies to keep the Gatwick Express"

Press Release 8 December 2004
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BAR UK lobbies to keep the Gatwick Express

BAR UK represents 92 scheduled airlines in the UK, many of whom operate into Gatwick.

In support of those members, its passengers, and the Gatwick Express, a formal submission has been made to Strategic Rail Authority (SRA), objecting to their proposals.

'The retention of the dedicated Gatwick Express service is vital for the airport and its passengers' says Mike Carrivick, Chief Executive of BAR UK, adding 'we have also written separately to the Secretary of State for Transport'.

He added 'What the SRA is proposing is operationally driven, and ignores the customer needs of air travellers, with their baggage, travelling by rail between London and Gatwick.

'It is inconceivable that specially-designed trains, and dedicated platform facilities at both Victoria and Gatwick are replaced by busy commuter trains, with no baggage facilities, and ill-equipped platforms at each end of the journey.

'Our objections are that:

an integrated transport facility is being taken away, at a time when air travel has demonstrated a return to growth
customer service facilities would be decimated
serious rail safety issues arise because luggage would need to be stacked in the doorway areas
That the SRA want to retain a 50% fare premium is laughable.'

... ENDS

For further information contact:
Mike Carrivick
Chief Executive
BAR UK

Tel: 020 7393 1261

Fax: 020 7393 1206

Email: mike.carrivick@bar-uk.org

Previous Press Releases 2004

02.12.04 Board changes at BAR UK
19.11.04 BAR UK welcomes the faster immigration procedures provided by IRIS
05.08.04 Mike Carrivick to succeed as Chief Executive of BAR UK
28.05.04 Aviation Minister - Keynote speaker at BAR UK's AGM
20.05.04 BAR UK's Chief Executive to retire
12.02.04 BAR UK welcomes the House of Lords report criticising an EU plan to force airlines to provide passenger data
10.02.04 BAR UK, the trade association for scheduled airlines doing business in the UK, held its first General Meeting for all delegates at the end of January.

2003

16.12.03 "BAR UK responds to the Government's announcement on the Future of Air Transport"
20.11.03 "No cross-subsidy at BAA's London airports"
02.10.03 "BAR UK members give BAA's Chief Executive a frosty reception about his company's price hikes at London Heathrow"
10.09.03 "BAR UK Board elects new Vice Chairman and co-opts two new Directors"
30.06.03 "BAR UK responds to the Government's inclusion of Gatwick airport in the consultation on future development of air transport in south east England"
02.06.03 "BAR UK asks for BAA help to reduce costs"
15.05.03 "New Chairman for BAR UK"
27.03.03 "BAR UK seeks relief from price increases and taxation"
30.01.03 "Unacceptable price increases at London Heathrow"
10.01.03 "BAR UK's response to the CAA proposals for pricing at the BAA London airports"

Pre 2003

28.11.02 "BAR UK's response to the government's consultation on the future development of air transport in the United Kingdom"
04.10.02 "BAR UK's General Meeting"
01.08.02 "BAR UK's initial response to the Government's proposals for enhancing capacity for the commercial aviation industry"
11.09.01 "New Chairman for BAR UK"
05.01.00 "Paul Ellis of British Airways co-opted to the Board of BAR UK Ltd."
01.09.98 "Yavuz Sökmen of Turkish Airlines takes over leadership of BAR UK"
08.07.98 "BAR UK Elects New Vice Chairman"
07.05.98 "BAR UK sets up Site on the Internet "
16.02.98 "United Airlines takes over leadership of BAR UK"
15.07.96 "Parliament passes Bill to curb crime in the air"

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