The claim made by David Cameron yesterday, that the expansion plans of Heathrow are about political positioning, is massively wrong. It also ignores the reality of the situation.

The expansion is needed because this airport, built to handle 45 million passengers per annum is now handling 67 million.

Its two runways are operated to maximum efficiency. Nevertheless, disruptions on a less than perfect day are inevitable, leading to wasteful circling in the skies for arriving aircraft, and delayed departures for those leaving.

Said Mike Carrivick, Chief executive of BAR UK:

'Mr Cameron's understanding of Heathrow as a hub airport is also misplaced.

'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 If this model is supposedly so out of date, then why is it so successful at competing airports in Europe and the Middle East?

'This is an airport that requires investment, for the good of travelers, for the good of London, and for the United Kingdom.

'BAR UK, and all its member airlines, fully support the proposed expansion plans.

'This is a critical issue, and far broader than party politics. We will welcome the opportunity to discuss matters directly with David Cameron'.

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.

... ENDS

For further information contact:

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