Member Article

Heathrow expansion 'could see £9 billion added to Yorkshire economy'

A third runway at Heathrow Airport could see an additional £9 billion in economic growth and 11,200 jobs to the Yorkshire region, according to research undertaken by the airport itself.

Expansion of Heathrow is needed to help businesses in Yorkshire to reach their full potential, the London airport’s chief executive has said, however there has been concern over the consultation process and campaign group HACAN has accused Heathrow of abusing the Commission’s process.

A consultation sought views on three options: adding an additional runway at Heathrow, either through a new runway or extension of the existing Northern strip, or adding a runway at Gatwick.

HACAN chair John Stewart, said “This was a technical consultation. What the Commission was not looking for was a flood of responses for or against a third runway.

“Yet Heathrow even went as far as placing post boxes in its terminals for passengers to pop in their letters of support. It is simply a side-show to the serious work the Commission is undertaking”.

John Holland-Kaye, chief executive at Heathrow, said: “Political delay has hamstrung the airports debate for the last 50 years and created a bottleneck of opportunity.

“Expansion at Heathrow can keep Britain at the heart of the global economy, connect economic other centres in Yorkshire to growth markets and attract tourists from mature and emerging markets.”

While Heathrow does not oppose growth at regional airports, such as Leeds Bradford, none of these outposts “can operate as a hub the way Heathrow does,” Mr Holland-Kaye said.

“Constraining Heathrow does not boost other UK airports but hands growth to our direct competitors Paris, Amsterdam and Frankfurt,” he said.

Mark Goldstone, head of policy at West & North Yorkshire Chamber, said access to international markets is essential for exporters in the region.

He said: “The connection to Heathrow from Leeds-Bradford International provides a vital link allowing businesses to access customers around the globe.

“An expanded Heathrow can only enhance trade opportunities and in turn economic growth.”

The Airports Commission will hand its recommendation to the Government next year, as momentum continues to grow. EasyJet has already thrown its hat in on the side of Heathrow.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .