BA chief to advise on long-term priorities
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.Rod Eddington, the departing chairman of British Airways, is to advise the Government on Britain's long-term transport needs and priorities, the Chancellor revealed.
Mr Eddington, who is due to leave the airline this year, will advise on the impact of transport decisions on productivity, stability and growth and on longer-term priorities.
Officials insisted that Mr Eddington's brief would not cut across the functions of the advisory Commission for Integrated Transport which would continue to evaluate the direct impact of schemes and how all the different transport modes fitted together.
Mr Eddington, 55, who has spent much of his career in the airline industry, plans to retire from BA in September after becoming its chief executive in April 2000.
Mr Eddington intends to spend a few months touring Devon, Cornwall, the Lake District and the Wash before returning to his native Australia early next year. Willie Walsh, a former chief executive of Aer Lingus, will take over at British Airways, Europe's third-largest airline.
The Transport Secretary, Alistair Darling said Mr Eddington would "bring a fresh eye and business expertise" to the issue of long-term investment.
The Government has only recently updated its 10-year transport plan and officials said Mr Eddington would not be reviewing existing plans so much as bringing a fresh perspective. He would work directly with Mr Darling and Mr Brown.
Mr Eddington said: "I am excited to be asked by the Government to lead this work as I know that transport infrastructure is incredibly important to people's lives.
"My energy and work for British Airways will be undiminished and will not conflict with my new role for the Government."
The Future of Transport White Paper published last July set out a strategy for the next 30 years following the Government's rail review, which introduced radical changes to the structure of the industry, and the road pricing feasibility study which backed the long-term introduction of tolls.
Officials said the proposals were already being taken forward through major projects such as Crossrail, the Government's strategic road programme, and the Railways Bill. Ministers needed to understand the long-term impact that future transport decisions would have on productivity, stability and growth.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments