| Topic: | Re:Re:Re:Re:business attitude to R3 | |
| Posted by: | Neil Anderson | |
| Date/Time: | 26/03/10 18:02:00 |
| I doubt there is a recognised pro-business group that will publicly denounce Heathrow expansion. Why would they? You may remember an article from The Times in January 2009: "The heads of several big companies that called for a third runway at Heathrow are members of a confidential British Airways club of elite businessmen who receive special favours. They are served by a team of BA staff who cater for their every need. Other passengers are sometimes bumped off flights to make way for them, according to a BA source. Staff meet members at the aircraft door to fast-track them through immigration and flights are sometimes held to ensure they make their connections. The only way to become a member is by personal invitation from either Willie Walsh, chief executive of BA, or Martin Broughton, the chairman. No one can earn the right to join by frequent flying. Members get a black Premier card and distinctive black luggage tags, which BA staff are trained to look out for. The Times has learnt that BA helped to persuade many companies led by Premier cardholders to issue a joint statement last September that was influential in convincing the Government that the UK economy needed the new runway. It said: “Heathrow is vital for business. It offers the direct connections which make our companies globally successful . . . that’s why Heathrow needs a third runway built within strict environmental standards.” Premier club members include Sir Martin Sorrell, chief executive of the global advertising company WPP, Paul Walsh, chief executive of the drinks company Diageo, and John Connolly, chief executive of Deloitte. All three companies signed." As for London First, although its chief executive Baroness Valentine was publicly in favour, the article continued: "The Times has also learnt that some leading businessmen involved in the runway debate doubt the claims of economic benefits but cannot speak publicly because their companies have business links with airlines or BAA. Several senior members of London First questioned the rationale for a third runway and believed it was inappropriate for the business lobby group to support it. Baroness Valentine, its chief executive, admitted that some members had opposed the runway but said most had supported it. She said that she would not have accepted a Premier card." I doubt she'd have been offered one. But there should now be capacity for her to join Adonis' "millions of citizens" taking a "well-deserved holiday". After all, Willie Walsh has just freed up thousands more seats by scrapping the cabin crew's perks. |