Airport Operators Association Response to Queen's Speech

May 8, 2013
AOA: "We're pleased to see the Queen's Speech explicitly mention the importance of investing in infrastructure as a means of creating jobs and opportunity in the UK economy."

The Airport Operators Association (AOA), the trade body for UK airports, has responded to today’s Queen’s Speech.

Responding to the Government’s commitment to “continue to invest in infrastructure to deliver jobs and growth for the economy,” Darren Caplan, Chief Executive of the Airport Operators Association, said:

  • “We’re pleased to see the Queen’s Speech explicitly mention the importance of investing in infrastructure as a means of creating jobs and opportunity in the UK economy. It is disappointing, though, that so few Ministers across Government mention aviation when talking about the potential of infrastructure to boost economic growth, especially in light of the publication of the recent Aviation Policy Framework, which was so positive about the vital role aviation plays in ‘delivering the benefits essential to our economic wellbeing’.
  • “Airports are important strategic assets for UK plc, which can and do play a leading role in facilitating trade and providing the connectivity to allow UK businesses to build links with both developed and developing markets overseas.  
  • “UK airports want to play a role in helping to lead the economic recovery, and this should really be acknowledged by the Government as it goes about trying to improve the country’s infrastructure.”

The AOA also responded to the Government’s commitment to introduce both a HS2 Hybrid Bill  and a High Speed Rail Preparation Bill into the next session of Parliament. Darren Caplan said:

  • “The AOA supports investment in all types of public transport infrastructure, aviation, rail and others. The benefits to business and individuals of better transport infrastructure are well documented. In addition to providing more infrastructure, High Speed Rail (HSR) offers the opportunity to better integrate air and rail infrastructure. The AOA supports the Government’s proposal for a new HSR network, linking key urban centres throughout the country, and ensuring many more people have access to the UK’s airports network.”

For further information please contact Tim Alderslade on 0207 340 0992 or [email protected].