Heathrow’s Commission statement

Europe’s most important aviation hub needs to be maintained at Heathrow.  That is the message put over by what is currently the world’s largest and most important international airport in a statement last week referring to its Davies Commission submission.

Heathrow was very clear in emphasising its support for the Government’s vision for “dynamic, sustainable transport that drives economic growth and competitiveness”.

The airport was emphatic.  “The Heathrow hub provides the UK with the vast majority of its intercontinental connectivity, with direct connections to 77 destinations not available from any other UK airport.  Over 90% of the South East’s long haul passengers travelling for business fly from Heathrow."

However, Heathrow is already operating at its permitted capacity.

“The DfT forecasts incorrectly assume that with Heathrow constrained, long haul demand, and to an extent transfer demand, will get picked up at other UK airports.  In practice, network economics and the related airline business model, make this highly unlikely.  Instead overseas hubs and economies are the beneficiaries.  The issue is leading the UK Government to underestimate the very pressing nature of the hub capacity constraint and its damaging impact on UK intercontinental connectivity. With weaker connectivity comes lost trade opportunities”.

“The more immediate demand case for a three-runway hub is very clear”. www.heathrowairport.com

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