from this scheme. We also acknowledge the
ambition they share that airport charges do
not increase in real terms because of airport
expansion.
“We have recommended several additional
conditions of approval to be included in the
final version of the NPS on air quality, surface
access, connectivity, costs and charges,
noise, community impacts, resource and
waste management. Sections of the draft
NPS dealing with these matters should be
revised before a final NPS is tabled for
approval by both Houses of Parliament.”
To reinforce the commitment to
local communities HAL is holding one
consultation composed of two parts, one
on airport expansion and another onthe changes to flightpaths and airspace
required for the third runway. The ten-week
consultation ran from January to March this
year with 40 events held across communities
surrounding the airport and also online, via
email or post. HAL Chief Executive Officer
John Holland-Kaye said at the time: “This is
the biggest-ever public planning consultation
seen in this country and we’re looking forward
to going through the views expressed on
how to shape our plans. It is this feedback
that will help us deliver the huge
opportunities of expansion, while
keeping to the promises we have
made to local communities and
meeting strict environmental tests.”
A second stage of the airportexpansion consultation is scheduled for next
year. The airspace usage consultation will
continue over a further two stages next year
and a later date yet to be set. The CEO said:
“By choosing to consult at this early stage,
we are taking an inclusive and transparent
approach, putting local communities at the
heart of our plans.”RUNWAY OPTIONS
Feedback has been sought on potential
infrastructure which include three shortlisted
options for the new northwest runway
with length varying from between 10,499ft
(3,200m) and 11,483ft (3,500m). Additional
terminal capacity for Terminal 2 and 5 was
also explored. There were also proposals
for larger cargo areas, aircraft maintenance
facilities, fuel storage and car parking.
Airline operators are also keen to
ensure their voices heard. Airlines UK is
the association representing UK-registered
carriers and its Chief Executive, Tim
Alderslade, is keeping HAL aware of his
members’ concerns. In a press release,
he said: “Airlines have been consistent in
their support for expansion at Heathrow.
However, they have also been clear that
this backing remains conditional upon costs
being kept under control and passenger
charges not increasing in real terms, and
they will reserve the right to withdraw their
support if this is not achievable.
“The Government has rightly set out that
lower fares are one of the key drivers of
expansion at Heathrow, but if charges have
to increase to pay for a disproportionately
expensive runway, the resulting cost
pressures will force up passenger fares and
put at risk the viability of new and existing
routes, which post-Brexit would see the UK
fall further behind our international rivals in
Europe and the Middle East with respect to
international connectivity.”
The airlines and the airport agree they
should show consideration for the community
and must make every effort to be a good
neighbour. HAL has identified key elements
in the expansion programme that will help
minimise damage to the environment while
delivering sustainable growth.
As John Holland-Kaye said: “One of the
biggest environmental issues in and around22 Aviation News incorporating Jets May 2018Eurowings is one of the few low-fare airlines
operating from Heathrow. LHR Airports LimitedA third runway will enable more destinations, such as those in China, to be served. David
Dyson/LHR Airports LimitedA Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787 at Terminal 4. One of the many carriers providing links to Asia
from the London airport. Anthony Charlton/LHR Airports Limited20-25_heathrowDC.mfDC.mfDC.indd 22 06/04/2018 15:13