Minister backs new runway

Secretary of State for Transport Patrick McLoughlin MP was positive when he spoke at the British Air Transport Association (BATA) annual dinner in London last week.

He said that the Government intends to back a new runway in the South East by 2030 and that the whole of the UK will benefit from the extra connections it will provide emphasising links to the regions.

"Nothing will change the fact that without action, London’s aviation network will be full by 2040.

"With every new air route to the Far East or South America, Paris, Frankfurt and Dubai are making themselves more attractive to investors.

"Of course I know that many in the industry were disappointed that we delayed the final decision.  It wasn’t something we took lightly. But when opponents of expansion hailed the delay as some sort of victory they could not have been more wrong.  The decision was delayed because it was the right thing to do.  The responsible thing to do.  So we know from the outset that we will get the job finished."

Suggestions that a decision may be further delayed were left unsaid.  Next up for the Minister with his aviation hat on is the AOA dinner 1 March.  The full speech can be found here.

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