Virgin backs case for Heathrow expansion
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.BY RUSSELL HOTTEN Virgin Atlantic yesterday united with its rival British Airways in warning of the threat to Heathrow airport's international prominence if proposals to build a fifth terminal are blocked.
Virgin dismissed protesters' environmental objections, and said that the mantle of Europe's top airport would be taken up by Frankfurt or Charles de Gaulle in Paris unless Heathrow expanded.
Virgin, the third-biggest user of Heathrow, with about 5 per cent of the slots, is preparing evidence to the public inquiry looking at plans of BAA, the airports company, to build Terminal 5. British Airways has warned that failure to expand could mean the loss of 7,000 jobs at the company and put its core business at risk.
Virgin's evidence would underline the advances in technology that have made aircraft much more quiet. But the main thrust of its case is the threat to Heathrow's status, and the economic benefits to the economy of south-east England and to Britain's balance of payments.
"There is no doubt that if Heathrow wants to survive as Europe's number one gateway to the world it is important that Terminal 5 is built," a Virgin spokesman said. "Most of the population around Heathrow either works at the airport or are connected withit."
Virgin is fighting a protracted battle with the Heathrow authorities for more slots, and its anti-trust legal action in the US claims that BA monopolises the airport. Although BA would be the main user of a fifth terminal, expansion would help create more slots for its competitors.
Airlines are facing strong lobbying from an anti-expansion campaign by local councils, environmental groups and the Heathrow Association for the Control of Aircraft Noise.
They want to see regional airports expanded to meet the expected extra demand for air travel in the 21st century. However, BA argues that Gatwick does not have the room for expansion, and regional airports and Stansted are too remote.
British Midland, the third-largest user of Heathrow, with 16 per cent of slots, said the inspector heading the public inquiry had asked it for a response.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments