Flybe has renewed calls for the opening up of RAF Northolt to ease capacity concerns.
The airline said opening the military base to commercial flights would give the UK regions immediately enhanced access to London and long haul connection at Heathrow – six miles away.
“Independent of a decision on airport capacity expansion at either Heathrow or Gatwick, which may take well over a decade to implement,” says Saad Hammad, CEO of Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline. “The Government has been presented with an immediately actionable solution at Northolt that would enhance regional connectivity to Heathrow and the capital at no additional cost to the taxpayer.
“Northolt is available right here, right now. It is a military airport which is used largely by a few wealthy VIPs in their noisy executive jets and could easily be opened up to scheduled commercial flights with less noisy aircraft.”
Hammad said RAF Northolt would contribute £7 million to the economy in landing fees and APD.
The Flybe boss called on new PM Theresa May to push forward the decision after being “rebuffed” on a number of times by the Ministry of Defence.
“We really believe it would be a win-win solution for all - the only people who would lose out are the wealthy few who fly in and out of there in noisy private executive jets. It would be a great opportunity for Theresa May to demonstrate her commitment to work for the many rather than the privileged few.”
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