Politicians ‘must back airport decision’

Sir Howard Davies presented the interim findings of the Airport Commission today. His three short-listed options include adding a third runway at Heathrow, lengthening an existing runway at Heathrow, and a new runway at Gatwick.

It will also consider a new airport in the Isle of Grain in north Kent, dubbed ‘Boris Island’. The final report will be published in 2015, after the general election.

Simon Buck, Chief Executive of the British Air Transport Association( BATA), said:

“There is much to digest in the interim report from the Airports Commission. BATAwelcomes the clear recognition from the Commission that there will need to be net additional runway capacity in the south east of England, where demand is greatest, in the coming decades.

“We do not currently have a preference for the best options or sites, but along with our member airlines, will be considering the shortlist in more detail over the coming months.

“It is now up to Sir Howard and his team to work on the shortlist of options, making sure they consider both cost and value for money as part of their assessment criteria.

“At the same time, politicians of all stripes must commit to supporting and implementing the Commission’s final recommendations when they are published in summer 2015.

“The Commission’s findings have to be the final word on the crucial question of airport capacity for a considerable length of time. The UK cannot afford further procrastination and delay in dealing with this issue.”

Sir Howard said: "It an open question as to whether London will be better served in the long-run by a constellation of airports offering a different combination of services at different price levels or whether you put all of your eggs in one basket and have one huge hub, which strikes us as quite risky."

BATAsaid it supports growth and the need to secure capacity at regional airports.

“Given the crucial role they play in the UK’s infrastructure, it is vital that connectivity between the regions and any newly created capacity in the south east is preserved and enhanced,” Buck said.