Members of London first have overwhelmingly supported Heathrow’s bid for expansion. More than two-thirds of the non-profit making group believes Heathrow should receive the new runway ahead of Gatwick airport. 59 per cent of those questioned said they wanted to see Heathrow have three runways compared to just 25 per cent who were for Gatwick. The airports commission verdict is due after the general elections next month. The commission has already rolled out the building of an airport at the Thames estuary also known as “Boris Island”. The winning airport will be receiving millions of passengers yearly which translate to an increase in revenue by significant margins.
London first, whose membership include some of the largest UK businesses, believe that expanding Heathrow would lead to the creation of 180,000 new jobs and hand the economy a boost of over £200 billion. The group has however said that even if their choice of airport is not preferred, a new runway should be built right away at whichever airport that would receive the award. Industry analysts concur that the issue of noise pollution might delay the construction of the runway even after the winning airport is awarded. The issue of more flights for airports’neighbours could become a political “hot potato”.
Heathrow chief executive said that London has been central to the global commerce for the longest time running. For London to maintain its edge, expansion at Heathrow is inevitable not only to connect London to the rest of the emerging markets but the whole of the country. He says the government should move with speed and declare Heathrow the winner.
Gatwick airport spokesman, on the other hand, says that while both airports are moving to secure support from lobby groups, only Gatwick can deliver the runway in the shortest time and at the modest cost with least impacts to the environment.