CAA Consultation on Airport Regulatory Regime & Landing Charges – BATA Reaction

April 30th, 2013

BATA has reacted to the publication today by the CAA of a consultation on initial proposals for the economic regulation of Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports from 2014 to 2015.

BATA Reaction to Publication of CAA Consultation on Regulatory Regime & Landing Charges

Commenting on the CAA’s consultation on proposals for changes to the regulatory regime and landing charges at the regulated London airports, Simon Buck, Chief Executive of the British Air Transport Association (BATA), said:

“While we welcome the CAA’s recognition that Heathrow and Gatwick airports enjoy substantial market power, we are disappointed that further increases in charges will be permitted at both airports for the five years from April 2014.”

“Prices at Heathrow are triple the level they were ten years ago and Heathrow is already the most expensive hub airport in the world. Clearly this is a concern for passengers and all airlines operating there. Any further price rises at Heathrow are simply unacceptable. ”

“Gatwick’s charges to airlines have increased by around 50% over the past 5 years and further real term increases will be permitted over the regulated period. ”

“In the current economic climate, other businesses in both the private and public sectors – and especially airlines – are making savings and delivering on less money. Airports should not be exempt from that and we call upon the CAA to use its regulatory powers to ensure there is a real terms reduction in charges applied to each passenger.”

ENDS