Davies Commission resignation

Geoff Muirhead, once Managing Director of Manchester Airport, has resigned from the Government Airport Commission headed by Sir Howard Davies “by mutual consent”. 

This leaves the advisory panel totally bereft of any commercial aviation expertise, now virtually totally comprised of academics and what the Department for Transport calls “The very best scientific and technical expertise available”, non-air transport consultants.  David Starkie of Case Associates seems to be the only member with any airline/airport experience.  Mr Muirhead does not appear to be replaced.

“We are fortunate that the Airport Commission will only put forward recommendations when it finally reports in summer 2015, which can be taken up, diluted, or completely turned down by the Government of the day”, said a highly regarded industry strategist.  “We will see the way its thoughts are turning when it produces in December an update and ideas for the immediate future which will not involve any new runways.  In the meantime the airlines and the country will soldier on”.  In the lead up to the spring election of that year will any of the parties make the Davies Report suggestions part of its manifesto?  Will that be raised publically at this week’s Labour and Conservative gatherings? www.gov.uk/government/organisations/airports-commission

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