The expansion of Heathrow is vital for the future economic well-being of Britain says BAR UK, The Board of Airline Representatives for the UK, prior to this afternoon’s debate in Parliament.

The Board, which represents 95 airlines, has expressed its full support for the proposed 3rd runway and an additional terminal at Heathrow, as essential to both the UK economy and the future of Britain’s largest airport.

In support of the expansion, BAR UK states the current over-crowding and over-usage of the existing two runways and passenger terminals at Heathrow as the key factor in the steady decline of destinations being served from Heathrow and resulting loss of business for the UK.

The further loss of regional traffic from other parts of the UK, where passengers increasingly transfer flights at non-UK airports, is also cited as having a negative impact on Britain’s economy.

Commenting on the expansion Mike Carrivick, BAR UK Chief Executive said

'Heathrow must either thrive by expanding or lose competitiveness through lack of investment; the status quo will not prevail. Added capacity, in the form of a third runway, and an additional terminal, is needed as soon as possible, not just by those UK airlines who may be based there but by all the airlines who serve Heathrow.

Aviation already pays its own way in the UK; the proposed developments at Heathrow will be jointly funded by the airlines and airports, without any subsidies whatsoever. Acknowledging the strict planning and environmental conditions that will apply to the expansion, BAR UK seeks the full support of M.P’s for the proposal in today’s debate.'

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