Institution responds to response to UK Government’s approval for a new runway at Heathrow

Philippa Oldham says the that without a clear view on Gatwick and Birmingham airports, investors are still unable to take a long-term view on how to future-proof UK airport capacity.

Philippa Oldham, Head of Transport and Manufacturing at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said in response to the Government’s approval for a new runway at Heathrow:

“This is so near and yet so far.  Without clear view from Government on its support for expansion at Gatwick and Birmingham airports, investors are still unable to take a long-term view on how to future-proof UK airport capacity.
“The year of consultation means yet more uncertainty, at a time when we need to be definite about our industrial strategy. We need to use airport capacity in the South East to boost the whole UK economy. Air freight is an important contributor, with a particularly important role in supporting trade with countries outside the EU. This delay is therefore particularly worrying following the Brexit vote.
“It is good that this Government is looking towards developing an integrated transport and industrial strategy.  It is vital therefore that these developments form part of this integrated approach with Crossrail and HS2. 
“This is a good news story that could be a great news story.  For local communities, the expansion of capacity helps support economic growth and employment as well as training and apprenticeship opportunities.  For environmental impact, we well know that new aeroplanes are able to produce far fewer emissions as well as make less noise.  A key factor for Heathrow is that Government should look to incentivise electric and hybrid technology to the vehicles that service the airport.”