BA urges quick progress on Heathrow plans
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Proposals for a short, third runway and fuller use of the two existing runways were said to have met stringent requirements for reducing noise and improving local air quality.
As part of ‘Future Heathrow’, a group representing employers, staff and aviation organisations, British Airways urged that firm decisions should be taken quickly to implement the first increases in runway capacity at the UK’s national hub since 1946.
Steve Limbrick, Regional General Manager, South East Asia, British Airways, said as BA moves into its new home, Terminal 5 at London Heathrow, in March 2008, it will help ease recent problems at the airport.
He said it will offer “a far more comfortable terminal experience, with less queuing, faster baggage systems and better punctuality”.
The squeeze on runway slots has seen Heathrow’s range of destinations shrink from 227 in 1990 to only 180 now.
A third runway is necessary to enable expansion of Heathrow’s network, particularly to the world’s growing economies, including many in Asia, the carrier said.
It would provide scope for adding up to 75 new destinations to the airport’s network.
Willie Walsh, British Airways’ Chief Executive said the carrier can develop Heathrow without any increase in overall emissions.
“Airlines will be included in the EU carbon trading system from 2011, several years before a third runway could become operational.”
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