A new aviation report calls on the Government to move away from a London- and Heathrow-centric airport expansion strategy and adopt a national integrated aviation framework that better balances regional airport capacity, economic growth, environmental impact and infrastructure investment across the UK.
The report comes from The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in the UK (CILT(UK)), which recently published a major new policy review as part of the ongoing debate surrounding the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS) and Making Best Use of Existing Runways (MBU). The report was also forwarded to the DfT to help support its ongoing ANPS review.
Whilst also welcoming the recently launched consultation on Heathrow expansion framework from the DfT, CILT (UK) stated its disappointment after noting a failure to consider airports across the whole of the UK - rather than remaining solely focused on Heathrow.
“Airport expansion policy must be considered in the context of the whole UK aviation system and not restricted to one region. Our experts at CILT(UK) have considered all the facts and what is best for the nation as a whole. We firmly believe decisions should be based on objective evidence, regional demand, economic benefit and environmental impacts – ensuring that growth is not automatically associated with Heathrow alone.”
CILT (UK) also believes the forecasts contained in the Government’s economic appraisal appear to take little account of growth at other UK airports and potential capacity across the country - particularly in the South East and East of England.
The report argues there is already sufficient existing and potential airport capacity across the UK to facilitate growth over the next twenty years without an immediate need for a third runway at Heathrow.
However, the review also highlights that Heathrow expansion should remain safeguarded and could proceed if a strong case demonstrates that the benefits outweigh the environmental, infrastructure and surface access costs, alongside an acceptable funding arrangement with airlines.
A major focus of the review is air cargo and freight. CILT (UK) says the Government’s current consideration of freight is inadequate because it focuses too heavily on Heathrow while overlooking the wider UK freight and logistics network.
The report calls for future aviation policy to include comprehensive analysis of air cargo operations, including the role of integrators, eCommerce growth, trucked air cargo, customs performance and regional cargo capacity.
The Institute also warns that surface access could become a major constraint on airport growth unless clearer funding mechanisms are established for associated road and rail improvements.
On climate policy, the report states that any revised ANPS must clearly establish how aviation growth supports the UK’s legally binding 2050 net zero commitment, including operational improvements, sustainable aviation fuels, carbon markets and emerging carbon reduction technologies.
“The UK has significant untapped potential at many airports, alongside growing opportunities in air cargo and regional connectivity. A revised ANPS provides the opportunity to establish a more balanced and nationally integrated aviation strategy.”
CILT (UK)’s own report proposes a UK-wide approach which fully takes account of freight and surface access - matters for which CILT(UK) has particular expertise. CILT (UK) will provide further detailed commentary on the financial aspects of the proposals separately.
CILT (UK) also confirmed that it will be submitting a full response to the Government consultation by 1 September. The report draws on a broad range of CILT(UK) research, consultation responses and stakeholder engagement across the aviation, logistics and transport sectors.
The full ANPS and MBU Review report is available on the CILT (UK) website.