British Airways Back Third Heathrow Runway
British Airways (BA) is fully behind the British Government's plans to build a third runway at London's Heathrow Airport.
The flag carrier's Chief Executive, Willie Walsh, told Sky News that he believes a new runway at the airport is essential if the United Kingdom wants to remain a key centre for business.
Walsh declared that BA is "strongly behind the government proposals in relation to the expansion at Heathrow", which were unveiled by UK Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly in November.
Third Runway Would Bring Economic Impact
He said: "I think it is a critical piece of national infrastructure and if we want to have a strong economy and we want to continue to be the world centre for business, we have got to have growth at Heathrow so I am 100% behind these proposals."
Walsh said the new runway would have a substantial economic impact, saying that if it were built the runway would "add about £7 billion per annum" to contribution made to the UK economy by the aviation industry.
Walsh added that a third runway would also act as a "longer term solution" to tackling long-running problems at Heathrow such as releasing landing slots for other airlines and improving passengers' experience of the busy airport.
When the Heathrow expansion plans were announced, Ms Kelly said that a third runway would increase Heathrow's capacity by 50%. In addition to a third runway, the proposals also include the possibility of a sixth terminal. Terminal Five, which will be used exclusively by BA, is set to commence operations in March 2008.
Terminal Five on Time
Walsh also confirmed that T5 is set to open "on time" and "on budget". He said: "It will be a fantastic experience for customers. It is going to transform the operation at Heathrow".
Source - Airport International's London Reporter
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