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Uncertainty Over Heathrows Change Of Guard And Possible Expansion
21 - Jan - 2016

Uncertainty Over Heathrow’s Change of Guard and Possible Expansion

It seems almost daily there is another discussion or a reference to or about adding another runway to Heathrow. The decision continues to be delayed and beleaguered and talked around. The latest, slightly obscure conversation was about who might step in to replace Sir Nigel as the chairman for Heathrow Holdings. 

There have been rumours that Lord Deighton, a former treasury member and Goldman Sachs partner is on the shortlist. Although there have been no indicators, or actual talks, this is not beyond the realm of possibility, as Lord Deighton would bring a massive amount of infrastructure experience. There is concern from parliament that his return to the private sector, if any of this is true, would compound parliaments concern about the “revolving door policy” that exists between private and public sectors.

Either way, this brings up the topic again, whether there should be a third runway at Heathrow. Despite the public being told several times that the issue would be resolved early this year, it suffered yet another delay when David Cameron delayed a decision until after the London Mayoral elections in May. 

There have been viable alternatives mentioned with regard to this; one is to add a new runway to Gatwick, and the other, lesser-known option would be to split and extend one of Heathrow’s existing runways. The last option is still being considered, but most think it the least likely. 

Lord Deighton couldn’t be reached for comment and a spokeswoman for Heathrow said they didn’t comment on speculation. So, it will be a mystery until the list of candidates is released. It’s likely Lord Deighton’s name was bandied about as well, perhaps to get a sense as to whether or not he would be for or against a new runway at Heathrow. As this continues to play out, we will keep our eyes peeled and our ears to the ground. 

By Airport Pickups London