Member News
Any attempts to prevent Heathrow's third runway from being built would be "very damaging" to the British economy, BAA chiefs have claimed.
Speaking at the all-party parliamentary group for major infrastructure projects, chief executive of BAA Colin Matthews said there was wide-spread agreement that the West London airport needs improved facilities.
Matthews argued that a third runway was "vital" to compete with other European airports such as Paris, Frankfurt and Amsterdam.
And there is "no plan B" if a third runway is not built at Heathrow, he added.
Questioned by crossbencher Lord Birt about the ability to spread airport capacity around the UK, Matthews admitted: "Heathrow is pretty much at the limit of its size".
But he argued: "This country can only have one hub."
And Boris Johnson's plan for a Thames Estuary Airport was dismissed as "not financially viable".
"Heathrow is by far the best option," Matthews declared.
"When it comes to infrastructure projects Heathrow dominates in terms of sheer scale."
Labour peer Lord Soley warned that the consequences could be "horrendous" if Heathrow's infrastructure is not improved, leaving the public with the impression that policymakers do not care about London.
Turning to the rail network, Lord Soley stated: "Heathrow is the only major airport in Europe without a major rail link", which could damage its position as an intermodal hub.
Matthews replied that he would "love" a high-speed train service, adding that Heathrow needs "a better connection to rail links".
A high speed train link would "make Heathrow work better" and "would be good for the country", he added.
Dods Parliamentary Communications Ltd
Jim
20th Jul 2009 at 10:33 am