Airlines have called for a fundamental shift in the government’s attitude to flying, as the consultation on the future of UK aviation policy draws to a close.
The deadline for submissions on the Department for Transport’s (DfT) “Developing a framework for UK aviation” consultation is today (October 20).
The Board of Airline Representatives in the UK (BAR UK), which represents 86 airlines, has warned that the consultation is the “last chance” for British aviation.
In its submission to the DfT, the aviation body said airlines are suffering due to a lack of clarity from central government.
Mike Carrivick, BAR UK’s CEO, said: “The ditching of the previous administration’s aviation policy has effectively banned any new runways at the three largest London airports and set back the economic role of aviation by over 10 years.
“Whilst the UK dithers, other countries are grasping the economic opportunities offered by the lack of key hub airport capacity where it matters – London.”
British Airways, a BAR UK member, has submitted its own response to the consultation, urging the government to act on airport capacity.
To support the UK economy, there must be additional capacity to meet demand for growing global connectivity, the airline argued.
Keith Williams, BA’s CEO, said: “The government must take action now. There are no easy choices, but avoiding these choices is to undermine the UK aviation and aerospace industry and to hinder the economic recovery.
“We are already falling behind other European hubs in providing services to the booming markets of China and India. The UK government has a choice. It can pursue sustainable growth or simply manage a steady decline.”