Heathrow airport has been given the green light to build a third runway – a decision welcomed by many in the business travel industry.
GTMC chief executive Paul Wait described the move as a “positive one” and hoped it would “act as a catalyst” for other areas of transport investment.
“Approval to expand Heathrow is the most positive economic step-change in recent times for the UK economy,” said Wait. “Business travellers favour Heathrow as an international hub airport, and yet they crave more routes to more emerging and established economies, particularly in South America and throughout Asia.”
He added: “Whilst this decision means that the UK is late to the party, it does at least mean that there are clear reasons for international businesses to invest in the UK and for UK-based businesses to realise incredible growth opportunities.”
KPMG’s global head of aviation James Stamp welcomed the announcement but said the additional delay sends mixed messages to the rest of the world about the UK’s ability to make decisions.
"In the U.K., it means businesses still can't really plan. To the rest of the world, this country looks increasingly isolated, and unable (or unwilling) to move forward with pace and vision,” said Stamp.
Jason Geall, American Express Global Business Travel’s VP & regional general manager for Northern Europe, said despite the “positive” decision “one should not expect diggers to break ground anytime”.
“The longer it takes for building to start, the more ground the UK will lose to competing marketplaces,” said Geall. “If the UK is to remain competitive in the long term we ideally need expansion around London and in the regions, whether it’s Gatwick, Birmingham or Stansted. That most other countries are not shackled by the same process and bureaucracy puts us at a material disadvantage. It’s crucial, therefore, that politicians are decisive in the parliamentary vote next year.”
US-based engineering firm Aecom said Brexit made this decision even more “critical”. “Giving Heathrow the green light for a third runway will enable the UK to be more outward-facing and better positioned to compete on the global stage,” said chief executive EMEA, Richard Robinson.
“This is a welcome fillip for the UK’s infrastructure sector and the businesses that rely on it. The collective sigh of relief following today’s long-awaited decision is almost audible.”
Easyjet to operate out of Heathrow?
Easyjet CEO Carolyn McCall said if the right cost structure is in place the low-cost airline could operate flights from Heathrow. "This is good news for UK consumers and businesses and will help ensure that the UK is better connected to the rest of the world,” said McCall.
“With the right charging structure and the right infrastructure for our efficient model, Easyjet plans to operate from Heathrow, in addition to our existing London bases, providing new routes and lower fares to customers.”
Regional airline Flybe said any final decision on Heathrow must “incorporate assurances” that the airport becomes a hub for the whole of the UK.
“Flybe calls on the Government to ensure that some of the new capacity is reserved for operators of regional aircraft at affordable prices,” it said in a statement.
Sign up to BBT’s twice-weekly newsletter