In its response to the Government’s draft Aviation Policy Framework consultation, which also includes a separate vision for aviation capacity, the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) say the long term choice is not whether to build a third runway, or a new hub airport - but whether Heathrow can realistically be expanded beyond three runways. If not, plans for an alternative hub airport in South East England must be developed quickly.
The Institutions call for a ‘twin track’ approach to aviation capacity, which pushes ahead with solutions that will maintain the UK’s position as a leading aviation hub in the longer term - as well as focusing on what can be delivered in the short term to help relieve the capacity restraints at Heathrow and keep the UK from slipping even further behind its European rivals.
They say the approach should also acknowledge the crucial role UK regional airports play through connecting flights to the national hub and ensure regional airports’ ability to fulfil this role isn’t undermined by lack of access to landing slots at Heathrow.
Alex Lake, from ICE’s aviation expert panel, said: “Looking to the longer term, to maintain its global economic competitiveness, the UK needs a hub with more than three runways and rapid access to Central London. If we decide Heathrow can’t or shouldn’t be expanded to this size we will need to develop a new hub facility elsewhere in South East England. This will naturally take time, so the Davies Commission must press on with evaluating all available long term options now.
“This however, does not remove the need for action over the next five-10 years to keep the UK in the game in the short term. The Commission must therefore simultaneously conduct a thorough review of all the short term options.”
But ICE and CIHT warn that expanding Heathrow or building a new hub airport will never become a reality if investors do not believe the UK has an aviation strategy that can survive a change of Government.
Sue Percy, CIHT chief executive, said: “The creation of an Independent Commission to examine future capacity needs and how they could be met is welcome, but its final report will not be published until after the 2015 General Election, potentially causing yet more delay and indecision and damaging the UK’s credibility as a location for private investment in aviation infrastructure. The Commission’s interim report in 2013 must indicate a clear direction of travel and come 2015, Government should make an unambiguous decision that has cross party consensus and can be driven forward.”
ICE and CIHT say an Act of Parliament should be introduced to create a special, time limited delivery body like the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) to implement the Davies Commission’s recommendations. Such a body would be essential in providing focus and leadership for timely and efficient delivery of what will be a hugely complex project.
ICE’s Alex Lake concluded: “When it comes to the UK’s airport infrastructure needs, there are some tough political and public choices, but the UK’s reputation is on the line. We must establish an agreed, coherent strategy that reflects our future capacity needs and sets out how they could realistically be met over both the short and long term.
“The transport and engineering profession stands ready to contribute expertise gained on recent large scale projects – not least the Olympics – and ensure the Commission receives robust advice on the challenges and deliverability of all the solutions on the table.”
Key ICE/CIHT recommendations:
- A ‘twin track’ approach to UK aviation capacity, which pushes ahead with realistic long term as well as shorter term solutions
- The introduction of an Act of Parliament to create a special, time limited delivery body like the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) to implement the Davies Commission’s recommendations
Actions to ensure UK regional airports can fulfil their role:
- The introduction of a Public Service Obligation (PSO) on Heathrow and any future UK hub, preserving landing slots to key UK regional airports where a High Speed Rail option is not available. This would need to be accompanied by appropriate compensation arrangements for hub operators
- An urgent review of the impact of current levels of Air Passenger Duty on the competitiveness of UK reg
The ICE & CIHT additional aviation vision - UKAviation Strategy Time to choose
The ICE & CIHT response to the draft Aviation Policy Framework consultation questions
Aviation and the Economy – facts
- The UK’s aviation sector currently carries over 235 million passengers and circa 40% (by value) of the UK’s annual exports. The aviation sector itself accounts for 3.6% of GDP and underpins many other parts of the economy.
- The Department for Transport’s current, national central forecast predicts that by 2050, without new runways, the UK will have 50 million fewer passengers per annum than would otherwise have travelled.
- If left unaddressed, this situation will put the UK at a significant competitive disadvantage to competitors in France, the Netherlands and Germany – countries that are making significant investments in their hub airports.
Q. What is a ‘hub airport’ compared to other main airports?
A. A "hub" airport is where a significant proportion of passengers arrive on a short-haul flight and then leave on a long-haul flight. These feeder “spoke” flights make it economically viable to serve a larger number of medium to long haul destinations. Other London airports such as Gatwick and Stansted are "point-to-point" airports, which fly direct to destinations where there is demand. The UK’s regional airports provide a combination of feeder flights into Heathrow and other hub airports and point to point services.
Q. Why is it so important that we have a hub airport?
A. In supporting a far wider route network than can be serviced by point-to-point services, a hub airport underpins the UK’s international connectivity which in turn is vital for trade, tourism and inward investment. A hub airport can also:
- Provide enhanced connectivity for other parts of the UK via connecting services to regional airports
- Support the operational competitiveness of UK airlines
- Attract the global or regional headquarters of large international companies to the UK
About ICE: ICE is a leading source of professional expertise in transport, water supply and treatment, flood management, waste and energy. Established in 1818, it has over 80,000 members throughout the world including over 60,000 in the UK. ICE’s vision is to place civil engineering the heart of society, delivering sustainable development through knowledge, skills and professional expertise. The ICE has long worked with the government of the day to help it to achieve its objectives, and has worked with industry to ensure that construction and civil engineering remain major contributors to the UK economy.
About CIHT: CIHT is a membership organisation representing over 12,000 people who work in the highways and transportation sector. CIHT members plan, design, build, operate and maintain best-in-class transport systems and infrastructure, whilst respecting the imperatives of improving safety, ensuring economic competitiveness and minimising environmental impact.
CIHT supports its member’s professional endeavours by:
• offering training, information, professional development and support
• promoting the value added to society by the profession
• being the focused voice to Governments and other decision makers on transportation expertise and knowledge.
The ICE & CIHT response to the draft Aviation Policy Framework consultation questions: http://www.ice.org.uk/2012aviationconsultationresponse
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