Member Article

What are business leaders saying after expansion at Heathrow finally gets the greenlight?

Following the government’s announcement that it would be supporting expansion at Heathrow Airport, Bdaily has canvassed snap reaction from across the business and political spectrum to today’s controversial decision.

The government’s line

Chris Grayling, Transport Secretary

“A new runway at Heathrow will improve connectivity in the UK itself and crucially boost our connections with the rest of the world, supporting exports, trade and job opportunities. This isn’t just a great deal for business, it’s a great deal for passengers who will also benefit from access to more airlines, destinations and flights.

“This is an important issue for the whole country. That is why the government’s preferred scheme will be subject to full and fair public consultation. Of course it is also hugely important for those living near the airport.

“That is why we have made clear that expansion will only be allowed to proceed on the basis of a world class package of compensation and mitigation worth up to £2.6 billion, including community support, insulation, and respite from noise – balancing the benefits and the impacts of expansion.”

Heathrow’s (surprisingly reserved) reaction

Heathrow spokesperson

“We welcome the news that Heathrow is the Government’s preferred site for a new runway and look forward to hearing the full details later from the Transport Secretary.

“Expansion of Heathrow is the only option that will connect all the UK to global growth, helping to build a stronger and fairer economy.

“We await the full details, but Heathrow stands ready to work with Government, businesses, airlines and our local communities to deliver an airport that is fair, affordable and secures the benefits of expansion for the whole of the UK.”

The Mayor’s disappointment

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan

“This is the wrong decision for London and the whole of Britain.

“The government are running roughshod over Londoners’ views – just five months ago I was elected as Mayor on a clear platform of opposing a new runway at Heathrow, a position that was shared by the Conservative, Liberal Democrat, Green and UKIP candidates in that election.

“A new runway at Heathrow will be devastating for air quality across London – air pollution around the airport is already above legal levels of NO2.

“Heathrow already exposes more people to aircraft noise than Paris CDG, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Munich and Madrid combined. A third runway would mean an extra 200,000 people impacted, exposing 124 more schools and 43,200 more schoolchildren to an unacceptable level of noise.

“An expanded Gatwick would have boosted our economy without causing these huge air and noise pollution problems and it could be built quicker and cheaper.

“I will continue to challenge this decision and I am exploring how I can best be involved in any legal process over the coming months.”

Tory party rifts

Industry’s relief

Dan Lewis, Senior Adviser on Infrastructure Policy at the Institute of Directors

“Business will welcome the fact that the Government has finally taken this necessary decision in the national interest, ending years of frustrating prevarication. The future success of the British economy will depend upon companies being able to continue and expand trade with the world, particularly beyond Europe.

“For that to happen there have to be enough flights to the destinations firms want. Heathrow is already full, and Gatwick will be full soon, so more capacity is vital. Only 3% of IoD members think the current number of runways is sufficient for the long-term.”

Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce

“Westminster must not underestimate the impact that further delays would have on business confidence. The time for playing politics with our national connectivity is over.

“Building this runway will not only boost business confidence, it will also help firms access export opportunities, and attract investment from both UK and overseas businesses.

“For business communities around the rest of the UK, connectivity into an expanded Heathrow is critical, even as regional airports develop their own links to overseas business destinations. This new runway must be viewed as much about connecting the regions and nations to the world as it is about capacity for London and the South East.”

Views from the regions

Andrew Cornish, CEO of Liverpool John Lennon Airport (which is set to get a new regional link to Heathrow under the proposals)

“Liverpool John Lennon Airport welcomes this news and will continue to support Heathrow’s proposals ahead of a final decision due next year, so that regional airports such as Liverpool can benefit by the future opening up of access to the UK’s hub airport for improved worldwide connectivity.”

Graeme Mason, Planning and Corporate Affairs Director at Newcastle International Airport

“We are pleased that the Government has agreed with the recommendations of the Airports Commission and decided in favour of expanding Heathrow. We will now support the Government and others to ensure that the third runway is built and to maximise the benefits to the North East that this development will bring.

“The North East currently enjoys good connectivity into Heathrow with up to six British Airways services a day, supporting over 500,000 passengers to and from the North East.

“By constructing a third runway, and providing additional capacity, we hope these services can be safeguarded, and can in the future also connect to a much wider range of global destinations.”