“It is now or never for Heathrow expansion – there can be no turning back if the vote is lost” – UK airlines back third runway

Ahead of the parliamentary vote taking today on Heathrow expansion tomorrow, Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, the industry association that represents UK carriers, said:

“It is now or never for Heathrow expansion and the prospect of a bigger and better hub airport – there can be no turning back if the vote is lost – and we hope MPs will recognise this and provide the all-important political support that is needed to take the scheme to the next stage. Airlines are clear that they will respond to the unlocking of capacity by creating new routes and providing consumers with more choice and frequency – including to regional airports within the UK. The country desperately needs a new runway if it is to cater for future demand from passengers and cargo customers and enable us to do business in new markets and destinations overseas – this will be all important as we prepare to leave the EU. The benefits are there for all to see – £74 billion to passengers and the wider economy, tens of thousands of new jobs and a huge expansion in capacity for goods – and we cannot afford to let these slip away.

“Carriers have been vocal in expressing concerns about some elements of the project, in particular its cost and affordability, however this debate will now be able to play out during the planning process and we will be working closely with the Government and Civil Aviation Authority to ensure that they protect customers from increased costs and inefficiencies, and the Secretary of State must enforce his stated aim of keeping passenger charges at today’s levels. What is clear, however, is that if MPs vote against expansion in the House we will never reach this stage and the benefits of a new runway – to consumers, businesses and UK plc more generally – will be lost for ever.” 

UK and international airlines respond to Heathrow National Policy Statement publication

Responding to the publication of the Government’s National Policy Statement, the UK and global airline community has published a joint statement expressing support for expansion at Heathrow Airport. Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK; Dale Keller, Chief Executive of the Board of Airline Representatives in the UK; and Rafael Schvartzman, Regional Vice President Europe, IATA, representing a large majority of UK and international airlines operating in the UK, said:

“Heathrow expansion is a once in a generation opportunity to transform our domestic and international connectivity, which is why the airline community has been consistent in its support for a new runway. We hope that decades of delay and procrastination will soon come to an end and we can secure cross-party support in the House of Commons. It is time for politics to be taken out of this debate and a decision taken in the national interest. 

“UK and international airlines will continue to hold Heathrow Airport Ltd to account over the details of the scheme, in particular its cost and affordability. It is passengers, airport users, and UK competitiveness who must stand to gain – not just Heathrow shareholders – and we’re pleased that the Transport Secretary has made the ambition of expanding the airport whilst keeping passenger charges at today’s levels his number one priority. The CAA must enforce this rigorously to protect customers. Airlines are committed to working constructively with Heathrow and the CAA and we will continue to push for more clarity from Government as to how it will use the planning process to provide more clarity on cost.

“The time is now for the UK to invest in the necessary infrastructure that will enable the global airline community to deliver upon the national economic objectives and aspirations.”

Aviation Ministerial Roundtable

The Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling and Steve Baker, Minister for Exiting the European Union, met with representatives from the aviation industry to discuss how the sector can continue to flourish after the UK leaves the EU.

The meeting with senior representatives from the UK aviation industry follows the Prime Minister’s tour of the UK to mark one year until Brexit.

And it also follows agreement in March between the UK and the EU to the terms of the Implementation Period, ensuring the aviation industry can continue to benefit from the existing liberal market access until the end of 2020. This paves the way for the UK to continue to participate in the European Aviation Safety Agency during this period.

The Transport Secretary spoke of the importance of the liberal aviation access agreements and harmonised safety standards, underlining the benefits they bring to both the UK and the EU.

Both representatives from industry and Government Ministers agreed it is in the interests of both the UK and the EU to secure a good deal for aviation as soon as practical in the future negotiations, ensuring businesses and citizens can continue to enjoy a high level of connectivity, choice and value for money.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said:

“Aviation connectivity is crucial for businesses and citizens alike and it is vital that market access continues uninterrupted.”

“It has been invaluable to discuss with industry leaders their priorities for a future deep and special partnership with the EU on aviation. We are confident that the UK will get a good deal which allows our aviation industry to continue to flourish.”

DExEU Minister Steve Baker said:

“Britain’s aviation industry is one of the biggest in Europe, and we are pleased the EU has recognised its importance to people and businesses right across the continent as we move onto discussing our future partnership.

“We are focused on reaching an agreement with the EU which secures the right arrangements for this vital industry so it continues to go from strength to strength.”

Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, said:

“UK airlines support the implementation period and the reassurance that market access to, from and within the EU – as well as to third countries such as the United States – will be protected. We are pleased that the Prime Minister accepts that continued participation in the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is both desirable and in the interests of all sides.”

“We welcome that aviation is a priority in the negotiations and look forward to discussions on future market access beginning as soon as possible. We are confident there will be a deal that secures open and liberal aviation arrangements beyond 2020, for the benefit of all European consumers.”

Chief Executive of the AOA Karen Dee said:

“With nearly three-quarters of visitors to the UK and 40% of the UK’s trade by value travelling by air, aviation provides the necessary international connectivity for a truly global Britain. UK airports stand ready to facilitate the connectivity of the future.

“We look forward to a continued dialogue as the UK Government and the EU begin negotiations on the future relationship to ensure that it allows the passenger to continue to benefit from excellent air connectivity, whether they live and work in the EU, UK or beyond.”

The UK Government and the aviation industry have agreed to continue their collaborative and positive engagement throughout the Brexit negotiations.

Airlines UK response to Aviation Strategy next steps document

Responding to the publication of the Government’s Aviation Strategy next steps document, Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, the industry association that represents UK-registered carriers, said:      

“The strategy is an opportunity to recognise the value and importance of aviation to the UK – in particular in a post-Brexit world – and identify how Government and industry can work together to meet rising passenger and freight demand, whilst continuing to deliver for the consumer.

“We’re looking for a Strategy that will seek to address some of the key challenges facing our sector – including putting in place a well-funded and effective border operation that can meet future growth, modernising an outdated system of airspace management, and dealing with an ever-increasing rate of aviation tax that does so much to damage our connectivity. We look forward to working with Ministers on these issues, and in the meantime airlines will continue doing what they’ve always done – putting on new routes and increasing the range of services to passengers, bringing down the cost of travel while improving accessibility, and reducing our environmental impact.”

Consumers – not Heathrow shareholders – must stand to gain from expansion at the airport and passenger charges should remain at least at current levels.

Responding to the publication of the Transport Select Committee report on the Airports National Policy Statement, Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, the industry association that represents UK-registered carriers, said:

“Airlines are pleased that the Committee has signalled its support for additional capacity at Heathrow. This is a once in a generation opportunity to transform the UK’s domestic and international connectivity, which will be more important than ever as we prepare to leave the EU.

“That said, the Committee has called for a number of changes to strengthen the National Policy Statement to ensure Heathrow expansion can be delivered, whilst keeping costs down and passenger charges at current levels. The Transport Secretary has said previously that consumers – not Heathrow shareholders – must stand to gain from expansion and that charges should remain at least at current levels – a position the Committee has endorsed.

“The Government should now follow through on its advice and bulk up the wholly inadequate section on cost in the NPS – and set out how it will use the DCO planning process to assess – independently – the scheme’s affordability. It will be at this stage that airlines – together with the CAA – can judge for themselves the likelihood of Heathrow being able to deliver on its promises to keep charges down, and until then they will reserve the right to withdraw support if this is not achievable.” 

Airlines UK response to Brexit transitional agreement announcement

Responding to the announcement that political agreement on a transitional agreement between the UK and EU has been reached, Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, the industry association that represents UK-registered carriers, said:

“UK airlines have long called for a transitional arrangement that will give much needed clarity to the industry and ensure that market access to, from and within the EU – as well as to third countries such as the United States – is protected. We welcome the political agreement that has been reached by both sides – which is a substantial achievement compared to where we were a year ago – and look forward to legal clarity being provided as soon as possible and further details made available as to exactly how our relationship with and participation within the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) will play out.

“Subsequently, we would urge both sides to begin work as soon as possible on securing a comprehensive UK-EU aviation agreement that ensures the continuation of services beyond December 2020 and – like other air services agreements – can be split off and negotiated separately from the main trade deal, and agreed well in advance of the end of the transitional period.”

Cargo airline West Atlantic UK joins Airlines UK

West Atlantic UK – a trusted supplier of dedicated cargo aircraft solutions to the Express Parcel and Integrated logistics industry – has become the latest member of Airlines UK, the industry body that represents UK-registered carriers.

West Atlantic UK Limited is a UK-registered company based at East Midlands airport, and currently operates seventeen Boeing 737 aircraft. With expansion plans in place, the company expects to be operating 22 aircraft of this type, both Classic and New Generation models, by the end of 2018.

Holding company West Atlantic Group was created in 2008 through the merger of two of Europe’s most established independent cargo airlines, West Air Europe of Sweden and Atlantic Airlines of the UK. The merged entity is Europe’s largest cargo airline and most experienced provider of unique, integrated Ground to Air logistics for the Mail Industry. They are providers of complete turnkey cargo aircraft solutions, have an annual turnover in excess of 150 Million Euros, and employ some 500 staff to operate a fleet in excess of 50 aircraft.

Airlines UK is the trade body for UK-registered airlines and other carriers with a UK operation – with members representing all sectors of the industry. Our thirteen members are: British Airways, CargoLogicAir, DHL, easyJet, Flybe, Jet2.com, Norwegian UK, Ryanair, Thomas Cook, Thomson Airways, Titan Airways, Virgin Atlantic and West Atlantic UK. The association works with governments, regulators and legislators to promote the interests of UK airlines, and with organisations across the sector to encourage long-term and sustainable growth in aviation. It formulates opinions and engages with stakeholders on a number of issues, including Brexit, airport capacity, taxation, sustainable aviation, disruptive passengers and regulation and consumer protection.

Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, said: “We’re pleased to be welcoming another dedicated cargo operator into the Airlines UK membership, and this will strengthen our message and voice on this most important of sectors, which adds so much to the UK both in terms of economic contribution and social value. As the association that advocates on behalf of UK-registered carriers we want to represent all parts of our industry – whether that’s cargo, low-cost, legacy or tour operator – and joining up with West Atlantic, the largest cargo airline in Europe, will add an extra string to our bow and better enable us to advocate on the things that matter to our members.”

Nigel Hiorns, Managing Director of West Atlantic UK Limited, said: “We are looking forward to being a part of the Airlines UK membership team and working closely with the other UK Operators and sharing our voice at a sensitive time for protection and sustainability of the UK aviation sector. West Atlantic UK plays an important role in vital overnight delivery of important mail, e-commerce product and other important material to a vast amount of UK businesses both in and out of the UK, so we hope the addition of our membership will further strengthen the representation and influence needed to ensure that we, and all other UK carriers are acknowledged as a very important part of UK business.”

Airlines UK statement on air services between the UK and US

Responding to recent press speculation about air services between the UK and US following Brexit, Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, the association that represents UK-registered carriers, said:

“UK airlines fully expect that the UK and US Governments will sign an open and liberal agreement – including on ownership and control – that will allow UK carriers to continue to serve the US following our departure from the EU.  

“Separately, airlines will continue to support Ministers in reaching a deal with the EU that is in everyone’s interest – providing for open competition between carriers and as liberal ownership and control rules as possible. As the Chancellor set out yesterday we also want to see an agreement on the implementation phase agreed as early as possible and ideally at the March Council. It is essential that clarity can be provided to both consumers and airlines through to at least December 2020. Subsequently, agreement is vital on a comprehensive EU-UK aviation agreement that protects market access to, from and within the EU and – like other air services agreements – can be split off from the main trade deal. Further clarity from the Government on its negotiating stance – over and above the extremely positive statement made last week by the Prime Minister on the UK wishing to remain a member of the European Aviation Safety Agency and wanting a continuation of air services – would be welcome also.”

Airlines UK response to Prime Minister’s speech on Brexit

Responding to the speech on Brexit delivered by the Prime Minister, in which she put on the table continued UK membership of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, the association that represents UK-registered carriers, said:

“Airlines are clear in their view that it is vital for the UK to continue membership of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), with all EASA rules and regulations applied to UK operators and companies based here, and we’re pleased that the PM has formally put this on the table ahead of the negotiation. As she set out, there is precedent for this, as non-EU countries such as Switzerland are members of EASA, and in return for paying in to the Budget contribute fully to the technical working groups and policy committees and play an active role in rule making. The Swiss have similar issues with the ECJ as the UK and yet this has not prevented them from working within EASA to improve international aviation safety.

 “The UK has always made a substantial contribution to EASA with respect to both people and funding – supplying around 50 members of staff and paying in over 5 million Euros a year to the budget. It is one of the biggest technical contributors to EASA’s working groups and other work programmes and many of those contributors are employees of UK airlines. It has also always been willing to share with EASA the acknowledged expertise of the Civil Aviation Authority. We hope and expect that common sense will prevail and that both sides will see that there is precedent here and that the UK’s future participation in EASA is in everyone’s best interests moving forward.”

Keeping passenger charges at today’s levels is the only way for a new runway at Heathrow to be successfully built

Commenting on the publication of a 10-week public consultation on the latest expansion plans of Heathrow airport, Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, the association that represents UK-registered carriers, said:

“Airlines have been consistent in their support for expansion at Heathrow and will be making the case for a new runway before the expected parliamentary vote in the summer. However, they have also been clear that this backing remains conditional upon costs being kept under control and passenger charges not increasing in real terms, and they will reserve the right to withdraw their support if this is not achievable. The Government has rightly set out that lower fares are one of the key drivers of expansion at Heathrow, but if charges have to increase to pay for a disproportionately expensive runway, the resulting cost pressures will force up passenger fares and put at risk the viability of new and existing routes, which post-Brexit would see the UK fall further behind our international rivals in Europe and the Middle East with respect to international connectivity.

“We look forward to seeing further detail from Heathrow as to what we are our customers will be asked to pay for, and are committed to continuing to work with the airport and the Civil Aviation Authority to bring down the cost of the scheme further so that charges do not increase. This is the only way that a new runway can be successfully built that will deliver greater connectivity and economic activity for all parts of the UK.”