No to Heathrow

We are still in the midst of the largest public health crisis in 100 years so the Perspective piece by Heathrow’s chief executive (“We’re working to keep Scotland connected long after Covid-19”, 10 April) is ill timed, ill-conceived and simply another attempt by a desperate corporation to mislead the Scottish public.

There can be no doubt that the world has changed dramaticallyand that the aviation sector along with many others may will see a reduction in size, with many business models no longer fit for purpose. Indeed, even aviation industry experts are predicting that pre-crisis demand not returning until 2022 at the earliest.

Further, the chief executive fails to reflect on the Court of Appeal ruling that the Airports National Policy Statement was unlawful, as the UK Government did not consider climate change commitments. Consequently, the hopes of expansion of Heath

row’s shareholders hang by a thread. UK aviation emissions in 2018 were at an alltime high so claims that sustainable fuels can help reduce emissions are simply not credible when based on technological solutions that do not currently exist or will not be commercially viable in the next 30 years.

Connectivity for Scotland is indeed important but why should passengers and freight continue to be reliant on Heathrow? It would surely be better economically and environmentally for direct connections to the world to be delivered from Scottish airports. PAUL BECKFORD

Policy Director No 3rd Runway Coalition

Tinkers Way Downham Market, Norfolk