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UK should compete on flights to emerging markets

The UK could benefit to the tune of £1bn if airports establish just one flight to key emerging markets per day, say the CBI.

A new report from the business group says flights are needed to keep pace with other major European competitors.

Chief policy director at the CBI, Katja Hall, said: “Every day we delay expanding our connections, we risk falling further behind our competitors. Firms in high-growth economies are not waiting for us to make a decision before taking their business to countries with much better flight links.

“For too many businesses, our lack of direct connections means selling abroad to the fast-growing markets is simply not a realistic option. Firms need frequent direct flights to the widest range of markets.”

Sir Howard Davies is leading the current International Airports Commission analysis, with an interim report due this year.

The CBI are calling on the Commission to support maximum efficiency for freight and passengers, by setting out a programme of infrastructure investment to improve connectivity to airports.

Rhian Kelly, CBI Director for Business Environment policy, said: “The Davies Commission must be bold and set out a clear path forward. It needs to provide all of our airports with a sustainable licence to grow, with the ability to link exporters with new opportunities. This means tackling the growth pinch-points in the air and on the ground.

“Without convincing plans on aviation capacity, we risk wasting time circling, while our competitors cruise ahead.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .