Topic: | Re:Re:Third Runway | |
Posted by: | Paul Green | |
Date/Time: | 28/03/12 11:16:00 |
R3 is by no means inevitable. We have a lot more information on the process last time, where BAA had to make up new planes that dont exist to meet noise and pollution criteria. The arguments dont stack up economically, there is plenty of spare capacity in the south east and what LHR (which remains a hell hole that I avoid at all costs) needs is a decent competitor ie Gatwick. Oil is over $125, conflict with Iran could see at $150 plus. This will continue to stiffle growht in air passengers. We hear constantly about a doubling of passneger nos by 2030. This forecasts is 5 years old. Total UK passenger numbers fell throughout 2009 and 2010, noone talks about that. Statistics that for eg compare China flights from LHR with Frankfurt are highly suspect, for eg excluding HK flights from LHR but not Frankfurt. Good article from Jenkins in Standard. The interests of the UK economy are not the same as those of BAA and BA. BAA makes most money from retail and food, not flights. The thing to do is LOBBY, WRITE etc. Not to give up. Air quality already off the scale, no way R3 will ever meet EU standards. |