Future Heathrow Statement on BAA Take-Over
08.06.06FUTURE HEATHROW STATEMENT ON BAA TAKE-OVER For immediate release: Lord Soley, Future Heathrow campaign director, said: "It is essential that the new owners of BAA evaluate the group’s investment plans as quickly as possible and inject new urgency into the expansion of runway capacity at Heathrow." "Heathrow is the jewel in the crown of UK airports, but lack of runway capacity has caused it to fall further and further behind other national hubs not just in Europe but across the world." "The Treasury estimates that a third runway at Heathrow would inject at least £8 billion in net benefits to the UK economy." "The environmental challenges are being addressed, and Ferrovial must now drive on this project with vigour and commitment." "I urge the Government and the CAA to ensure that any regulatory or financial issues arising from this takeover do not become reasons for delay." End Notes to Editors: 1. Of the world’s 20 largest national economies, only Mexico has a hub airport with fewer runways than the UK’s hub, Heathrow. 2. Heathrow has two operational runways, the same number as when it opened in 1946. 3. The squeeze on runway capacity has led to Heathrow’s overall route network shrinking by 12 per cent since 1990. 4. Future Heathrow is an alliance of trade unions, business groups, airlines and professional associations supporting the sustainable development and modernisation of Heathrow. 5. For further information, please contact Lord Soley (formerly West London MP Clive Soley) on 07785 250456. June 6, 2006
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