SASIG ‘Key Issues’ Submission to the Airports Commission
This report is a synthesis of the ‘Key Issues’ which SASIG wishes to draw to the Airports Commission’s attention.
SASIG recognises, welcomes and wishes to retain the economic and social benefits of aviation. The quantification of these benefits tends to be made on the basis of gross, not net, figures, thus only yielding a partial representation. The associated costs of aviation development must be better quantified and incorporated into an improved economic assessment.
Such an assessment can inform negotiations around the share of public and private financing, recognising in particular the sizeable public spend required for viable, high quality, large-scale aviation developments.
Such assessment should be informed by accurate understanding of where, previously, projected economic gains have not been realised from aviation developments to date. Such assessment can ultimately support the capture of the projected economic benefits. The list in the table below is intended to widen the debate and promote other contributions to the topic – the list is not necessarily comprehensive. It is accepted that some of the factors produce positive benefits, however, all factors require consideration. Those factors that are least well understood and the most complex to monetise require urgent attention in order to inform the current aviation debate.