Heathrow airport’s C.E.O, the largest airport in the UK, has recognised MPs business leaders and fellow airport chiefs from the North east for their role in championing for a third runway at Heathrow. While speaking at an event of the North east chamber of commerce, he had great optimism that the North east would most definitely benefit from the investment from growing business destinations such as China.
Mr. Hollard emphasised that most decision makers are in London and having Newcastle and the North east have their opinions known is an endorsement to the central position that Heathrow airport plays in the trade between that area and the world. He expressed concern that despite Heathrow trying all it can to facilitate new trade routes and destinations, it cannot be explored due to its under capacity. A third runway will solve that and bring more efficiency in the running of the airport.
Mr. Hollard said not less than 5000 jobs would be created and the third runway would contribute £4 billion to the economy every year. Growing links to Far East countries, he said, requires that they originate from a hub airport. Heathrow airport is the hub that needs to play that role.
Mr. Hollard also expressed his concerns over regulations. He gave examples with students and tourism. Students are willing to come to the UK to study from all over the world, but they won’t come if it is extremely hard to do that. He also said that the government should do more to ensure that high value Chinese tourists make UK their destination. It could be of benefit to local business to interact with them and later use that knowledge when they are doing business in china.