CILT(UK) calls for coordinated UK airports strategy

Experts at CILT(UK) have expressed their support for continued growth in air transport. But they are very clear in their view that Heathrow’s expansion plans must reflect how the aviation market has changed since the early 2010s, be fit for purpose and be affordable in respect of additional charges levied on passengers – including many who will not experience an expanded airport.

CILT(UK) recently submitted its response to the draft HENPS (Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement) consultation. Setting out its views, based on the expertise and knowledge of its membership in logistics and transport. Drawing on its members’ expertise across logistics and transport, CILT(UK) highlights rising passenger numbers alongside stable aircraft movements, driven by larger aircraft and higher load factors.

Chris Tarry, Chair of the Aviation Policy Group at CILT(UK), said: “The institute agrees with the government that air transport will continue to grow but this growth must be managed to ensure that the benefits continue to outweigh the impacts. Over recent years whilst passenger numbers have grown, the number of flights has not, as the average size of aircraft serving the UK market has grown.

Why a new strategy must account for changes in the structure of demand

Experts also noted the reduction in the proportion of connecting passengers at Heathrow as airlines fill their aircraft with more point-to-point passengers and at the same time new generation of aircraft have resulted in direct services from North America to smaller cities in Europe replacing the need to transfer. While total demand continues to grow, the structure of demand has changed significantly since the early 2010s, which was the basis for the Airports Commission’s analysis, on which the HENPS continues to be based.

Chris added: “Heathrow cannot be considered in isolation – we need an airport strategy that looks at capacity and demand across the whole country. With expansion already approved at Gatwick, Stansted and Luton and further capacity available at airports such as Manchester and Edinburgh, the Government must consider how Heathrow fits into the wider UK aviation network.”

Increasing understanding of air cargo requirements

CILT(UK) argues that the HENPS does not adequately deal with air cargo. It does not include any air cargo forecasts and, while the economic and trade benefits are clear and substantial, there is no real understanding of how the freight sector operates. Most tonnage is carried in the belly holds of long-haul flights from Heathrow but there are significant all-cargo flights operating as part of an integrated network of multimodal freight activity across the whole country – with East Midlands and Stansted as the main hubs.

Coordination and accurate information essential for nationwide aviation growth

As well as submitting a response to the draft HENPS, CILT(UK) has provided written evidence to the House of Commons Transport Committee, which is undertaking a scrutiny inquiry into the HENPS.

Chris concluded: “A ‘public transport first’ approach is the right ambition but it will only work if it is supported by better rail links and clear measures to move people away from car use, beyond the drop off charges levied by airports which have a negligible impact on behavioural change. CILT(UK) does not seek to take sides in the debate over Heathrow’s economic benefits. Instead, we want to focus on a practical question: how should the expansion be paid for? Who should take the risk? and beyond this, what is actually affordable in the real world? As it stands there are many questions that have yet to be addressed arising from the current proposals to expand Heathrow.”

CILT(UK) stressed that as the Government develops its policy, it should ensure that future capacity is based on up-to-date and the latest demand figures, ensure air freight is fully included and planned for and that the funding and delivery of vital access improvements are visibly set out. It argues that a coordinated UK-wide approach will be essential to ensuring aviation growth delivers maximum benefit while managing its wider impacts.