Air, Freight News, Logistics

Air hub capacity holding back UK, says CBI

[ October 20, 2011   //   Chris ]

A lack of hub airport capacity could cost the economy up to £1.2bn a year in lost trade and must be tackled if the UK is to maintain its global competitiveness, said the CBI in its response to a Government consultation on 20 October.

In its contribution to Developing a sustainable framework for UK aviation, the business group says that having an international airport hub was vital to the economy, and that the Government must address the issue of capacity in South East England, where Heathrow was already operating at 98% capacity.

CBI chief policy director, Katja Hall, said: “We need to be sure that UK businesses are able to take advantage of export opportunities in emerging markets in the years to come, as well as expand capacity and meet our environmental commitments. Industry is already fully committed to reducing its environmental and noise impact. New technologies and air traffic systems are being developed which will enable aviation growth with no net increase in emissions.”