Branson wants third runway at Heathrow
Virgin Atlantic boss Sir Richard Branson says a third runway at Heathrow is essential or London will lose out to other major airports like Frankfurt.
The government consultation about a third runway at Heathrow – called ‘Adding capacity at Heathrow airport’ – closes this Wednesday. Branson believes that multi-national businesses will move away from London if the third runway at Heathrow isn’t built.
“Businesses will move their global headquarters to elsewhere in Europe, and they will take thousands of jobs with them if a third runway fails to be built at Heathrow,” says Branson.
Sir Richard points to the fact that other airports in Europe are expanding to meet demand from air passengers. “With more runways being built in other European cities, such as Frankfurt, it is more important than ever that London expands its capacity. Business travellers need an airport that flows seamlessly, not one that seizes up due to lack of space on the runways.”
Branson also addresses concerns about the environmental impact of more flights at Heathrow. “Routine delays and circling overhead by all airlines, manoeuvres that simply increase pollution levels, will only be stopped with extra capacity,” he says. “The aircraft of the future, like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, are more fuel-efficient and much quieter, and so will help to meet the environmental criteria that the government has laid down for another runway to be built.”
As the consultation period on Heathrow’s third runway comes to an end, Branson has asked the candidates for London Mayor to support expansion at Heathrow.
“All of the Mayoral candidates should be protecting jobs in London and promoting growth. That means supporting a third runway which will deliver the economic expansion London needs in the years ahead,” Branson concludes.
Written by: Nick Purdom
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