Government must support aviation

NICK Goodway is correct to state that the advantages of present-day airline regulation need to be preserved following any future negotiation between the Government and the EU [Comment, July 21].

It is hard to think of a sector that has experienced such a profound transformation since access to the single market was secured. Passengers and cargo customers have gained enormously from new routes, lower prices, greater choice and stronger competition brought about by the liberalisation of the EU aviation market. Last year more than 251 million passengers travelled through a UK airport — a record — and our airlines now offer routes to more than 250 destinations around the world.

Ministers need to ensure that the UK retains this fully deregulated and liberalised aviation market as a matter of urgency. As Mr Goodway stresses, this could potentially be achieved through the UK joining the European Common Aviation Area once we leave the EU. We need urgent clarity from the Government on how this process might proceed and, if we can secure an agreement with the EU, this should be prioritised ahead of other areas of concern.

The UK aviation industry is the third largest in the world and it is virtually completely privately funded. This is, however, one area where support from Government is required if we are to maintain this success into the future. JOHN Holland-Kaye, Heathrow’s chief executive, says following the Brexit vote it is vital that a new runway is approved at Heathrow to bolster trade with emerging markets [ July 22]. Is he saying we need to create a new noise and pollution nuisance for thousands and destroy three villages just for extra cargo capacity?

Which other developed nation would consider such an option? Winston Churchill was duped into allowing Heathrow to be used as a war-time facility because it was in the wrong place to be a civil airport. Expanding it now is compounding the planning error made then and at a massive cost.

If we can secure an agreement with the EU, this should be prioritised ahead of other areas

SPEAKING as someone who has relocated from the Midlands to Surrey to pursue career aspirations, I cannot agree with the assertion that expanding Heathrow is the only option for increasing London’s airport capacity.

The manufacturing base of the UK lies north of London, as well as the majority of the population. Now is the time to explore options that exploit this, rather than reinforce the presumed economic model that Britain should prioritise the capital above the regions. As highly influential as it is, Britain is about more than just London.

Tim Alderslade