Airport CEO Says 'No Environmental' Reason For Delay

In his first speech since the Davies Commission recommended expansion of Heathrow Airport over Gatwick, Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye says no discussions with the government have begun concerning environmental issues related to the proposed expansion.

Buying Business Travel reports that in a speech in central London, Holland-Kaye said that there is no "environmental" reason that discussion on such issues a noise, emissions, and night flights have not gotten started. He said he would not rule out a ban on night flights, but he is waiting to see what the government might propose. "We want to discuss this with the government but haven't started those conversations yet," he said. "What I will say is there are no show stoppers in the conditions set by the government, specifically on night flights.

"There is an opportunity here to reduce night flights which will be a big benefit to local communities and we will work with the government and airlines before making any further announcement on that."

In the speech, Holland-Kaye presented his vision for a "new plan" that would meet every environmental target and which has the support from "the majority of local communities." He said the plan "creates hundreds of thousands of jobs" and has "the support of every major employer's group, as well as unions."

(Image from file)

FMI: www.heathrow.com/company/company-news-and-information/airports-commission/our-proposal