BAA to Campaign for the Sustainable Growth of Heathrow

Heathrow is an essential factor in attracting business to the region.90% of businesses in Londonor the counties surrounding Heathrow rate the airport as either vital' or very important' to their business (OEF, 2006). More than half of major European companies report that international transport links are absolutely essential' in deciding where to locate their business (European Cities Monitor, 2005)

Heathrow is vulnerable to foreign competition. Heathrow has two runways operating at 98.5% of their permitted capacity. Frankfurthas three runways, Paris Charles De Gaulle has four, Amsterdam Schipol has five, and all operate at less than 75% of their capacity. The number of destinations served by Heathrow has fallen from 227 in 1990 to 180 today. Frankfurt, Parisand Amsterdamhave all increased their destinations and can offer new slots to emerging economies.

Aviation is addressing its climate change impacts. BAA has put itself at the forefront of lobbying for aviation to be included within the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, which would force airlines to cut their own carbon dioxide emissions or pay for other to do so. Aviation only contributes 6% of UKcarbon dioxide emissions and less than 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The Stern report says that limiting airport capacity is an inefficient way of regulating demand, while carbon trading would be an effective way to price emissions

Other Future Heathrow members include:Amicus, ATAG, BALPA, BAR UK, BATA, bmi, British Airways, Boeing UK, CBI, Destination Heathrow, GMB, IATA, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Airline Operators Committee, London First, Thames Valley Economic Partnership, TUC, TGWU, Virgin Atlantic Airways, West London Business

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