"British Airways Urges Development Of UK Regional Airports"

Tuesday, June 17, 2003
 
British Airways Urges Development Of UK Regional Airports
DOW JONES NEWS


LONDON -- British Airways PLC Tuesday said it supports the development of a
second runway at Birmingham airport , an extra runway at Edinburgh or
Glasgow airport and new passenger terminals at Manchester airport .

The airline is also proposing that any new runway at London Heathrow airport
should have between 30 and 60 daily takeoffs and landings reserved for extra
flights to more U.K. regional airports .

These views are contained in British Airway's response to the government's
regional air studies coordination consultation which is examining where to
develop U.K. airports outside of south east England in the period up to
2030.

British Airways' said that an additional runway in the Midlands should be
built at Birmingham airport because of the expected higher passenger demand
there and its strong transport links. The airline believes there is no case
for a new airport in the Midlands.

British Airways also said that terminals should be constructed at Manchester
airport , as proposed by the government in its consultation documents. As a
second runway at Manchester has recently opened, British Airways feels that
it is not necessary to consider any additional runways at this stage.

The company added that toward the end of the 30 year consultation period,
there is likely to be a need for an additional runway in the Scottish
lowlands. The airline believes this should be at either Edinburgh or Glasgow
airports and that the development of a new airport in central Scotland
should not be considered.

British Airways also said a new short runway at Heathrow should have between
30 and 60 takeoffs and landings each day reserved for extra flights to more
U.K. regional airports . A short runway could only be used by smaller
aircraft on shorthaul services and could not be displaced by longhaul
flights which would operate from Heathrow's two longer runways. Regional
passengers would then be guaranteed access into the UK's international hub
airport and destinations around the world.

Rod Eddington, British Airways' chief executive, said: "We support fully the
sustainable development of airports in the British regions, in response to
increasing passenger demand, and believe that any new runways should be
built at existing airports rather than at new sites.

"Strong air links to London and the range of services provided by an
international hub airport are vital for regional development in the U.K.

"Most regional airports are unable to support an extensive longhaul flight
network as there is insufficient passenger demand in the immediate catchment
area. That is why the role of Heathrow is key to the success of Britain.

"During the last few years, the number of regional routes served from
Heathrow has been reduced due to the lack of runway capacity there. A third
runway will enable British Airways and other airlines to start new
commercially viable regional services from Heathrow, hopefully using slots
reserved for that purpose.

"Regional-based passengers will then have better connections to London's
intercontinental services. Regional businesses will gain improved access to
the capital and local economies can benefit from direct Heathrow links."


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