What is the way forward for the UK’s Aviation strategy?
Aviation policy in Britain is at a crossroads. As the government shapes its vision for the future of UK Aviation, key questions remain open. These include whether the UK should retain a major hub airport, how to cope with pressure on aviation capacity in South-East England, the role of regional airports in future strategy, the location of future aviation investment, and how to anticipate future patterns of demand. A better understanding of these issues is crucial if we are to adopt a bold and successful aviation policy for the benefit of the British economy and future generations.
In response to these issues the ITC is developing a major independent research project investigating the way forward for the UK’s aviation strategy, and to mark this launch the Commission hosted an Evening Symposium with leading experts on 19th April 2012. Delegates listened to a highly distinguished panel comprising: Baroness Jo Valentine, Chief Executive of London First; Huw Thomas, Partner at Foster & Partners; John Morris, Head of Industry Affairs at Birmingham Airport; and John Stewart, Chairman of HACAN Clear Skies. Renowned architect and ITC Patron Sir Terry Farrell, as well as Colin Matthews CBE, Chief Executive of BAA, offered expert responses to the speeches.
Huw Thomas explains the Thames Airport proposal
Discussion focussed on the relationship between good connectivity and economic growth. Baroness Valentine and Huw Thomas noted the importance of direct connections to emerging market cities for attracting inward business and investment to the United Kingdom. On the other hand, John Stewart argued that Britain, and London in particular, was already one of the best connected places in the world, and questioned the economic case for aviation expansion. The second key issue surrounded how to develop the UK’s aviation infrastructure. Huw Thomas argued in favour of a major new aviation hub in the Thames Estuary, while John Morris suggested that the capacity problems in UK aviation could be solved by making better use of regional airports such as Birmingham. Colin Matthews CBE suggested that the reality of aviation economics meant that Heathrow was the only economically viable hub airport for the UK in the short to medium term. Meanwhile, Sir Terry Farrell noted that we needed to think of aviation in terms of multi-modal connectivity, and ensure that connections to and between airports were better designed.
Colin Matthews CBE explains why Heathrow must be considered in any review of UK Aviation strategy
Delegates and speakers welcomed the announcement by the ITC that it was launching a major new study into the way forward for the UK’s aviation strategy. The work, led by a Steering Group chaired by Dr Stephen Hickey, one of the ITC Trustees, promises to unpick the effects of different aviation policy scenarios on the economic and social health of the UK. To find out more about the work, support the study financially, or get involved in the research, please contact the ITC Secretariat.