SASIG September 2016 Bulletin

Editorial

Monthly Highlights

Forthcoming Events (SASIG Meetings & External Conferences)

Parliamentary News

London & South East News

Regional News

National & Other Industry News

European News

SASIG Website Additions (September)

EDITORIAL

The party conferences are providing the lull before the anticipated news storm that will inevitably accompany the final decision on South East runway capacity; this has been heavily trailed to be imminent with 18th October rumoured to be diarised.  With a possible ‘free vote’ also thought to be under consideration, the competing scheme promoters have been making their final pitches to Government, business, MPs and the media while protesters at London City and Heathrow also try to capture their share of the media spotlight.

Transport Questions in the Lords and Commons resulted in some extensive exchanges on the prospects for a new runway, played with an equally straight bat by Lord Ahmed and Chris Grayling respectively. John Haynes also answered a barrage of aviation related PQs in the first half on the month adeptly avoiding MPs anything that they really wanted to know on the runway decision. Meanwhile, both the national and regional newspapers have had a strong regional connections theme to their coverage of the lead-up to the decision, encouraged by Heathrow press releases and Ministers strong position on this issue when answering questions in the House.

The impact and handling of Brexit in relation to aviation is also a growing area of interest amongst MPs. It is understood that the Secretary of State has set up a ‘round table’ of industry representatives to explore issues arising from Brexit and help steer the Government’s thinking in the lead up to and post Article 50. There will be far more of this to follow as the Brexit process slowly unwinds and exchange rates start to influence holiday bookings in the New Year.

Chris Cain,
Head of Secretariat
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SASIG FUTURE MEETINGS
–  6th October – Next TWG-Airports, Cities & Economic Growth, LGA, London (following CAG meeting)
–  20th October – Next TWG-Environment, Planning & Airspace, LGA, London (Postponed from 22nd September).
–  4th November – Full SASIG Meeting – Due to refurbishment at LGA, which will last from the end of October 2016 to September 2017, that venue is unavailable for this meeting. An alternative is being sought and members will be advised as soon as this process is complete.

EXTERNAL MEETINGS & CONFERENCES
–  17th-18th November 2016:  5th European Aviation Conference: Amsterdam, The Netherlands.  Changing Hub Dynamics: New Models and Airlines Evolution. This conference investigates the changing dynamics of hubs, both from airport and airline points of view.  (Please note:  this was originally to be held in Istanbul, Turkey).
–  21st-22nd November 2016:  AOA Annual Conference 2016: Hilton Metropole, London.
–  23rd November 2016:  Meeting the UK’s Infrastructure Needs – De Vere Venues, London.  This conference will explore in-depth the direct impact of Brexit on UK infrastructure funding and what this means including the impact on airport expansion in the South East decision.  Speakers include both Gatwick and Heathrow Airports.
–  6th April 2017: Westminster Energy, Environment & Transport Forum: Regional Airports in the UK: priorities for connectivity, capacity and investment – Central Birmingham. Sessions at this seminar will focus on regional airport capacity and aviation throughout the UK, following the publication of the Airports Commission report into expansion in the South East in 2015 and the expected government decision later this year.
–  23rd-25th April 2017:  Routes Europe 2017 – Belfast Northern Ireland.

PARLIAMENTARY NEWS
Transport Questions – House of Lords: 5th September 2016 (London Airports)
Q. Lord Spicer (Con): “To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they will announce their decision about extra runways for London’s airports.”
A. Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Transport, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Con): “My Lords, the Government are committed to delivering the important infrastructure projects the country needs, including delivering runway capacity to the timetable set out by the Airports Commission. As noble Lords will appreciate, it is vital we get this decision right. The Government commissioned extra work looking at the three options shortlisted by the commission. Ministers will consider this alongside the comprehensive evidence published by the commission before reaching a final view on the preferred scheme.”
Q. Lord Spicer: “My Lords, I warmly congratulate my noble friend on his well-deserved promotion to Minister of Aviation, which is a job I once held. Is not this whole issue getting a bit out of date? Should we consider asking not whether Heathrow or Gatwick will have another runway, but whether Gatwick and Heathrow will have extra runways?”
A. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: “First, I thank my noble friend for his kind remarks. He served in a very distinguished capacity as aviation Minister, but he is also quite right to mention aviation capacity in the South East. As I have said previously from this Dispatch Box, the Davies commission carried out quite ​comprehensive work in this regard. Three options were presented to the Government, which remain on the table.”
Q. Lord Soley (Lab): “In this post-Brexit world, will the Minister use his enhanced position, which is well deserved—he has been a good supporter of the expansion issue—to make sure his Cabinet colleagues, and the Prime Minister, who is chairing the relevant committee, understand that it is critical that Heathrow can deliver the services the rest of the world will expect if we are to be part of that market? To follow the comment made by the noble Lord, Lord Spicer, they need to recognise that we need a better way to deal with airport expansion in this country. Expansion of airports is critical to both regional and national economies.”
A. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: “The noble Lord is right in that over the summer there have been a few changes in the Government and in the position of the United Kingdom. A new Government, Prime Minister and Secretary of State are in place, but I assure the noble Lord—indeed, all noble Lords—that the Government are giving this decision a high priority. It is paramount in our mind. The other element to bear in mind is that it will be in line with the Davies commission to ensure that we have this extra capacity operational by 2030.”
Q. Baroness Randerson (LD): “My Lords, this decision concentrates on the south-east. It will have an adverse impact on airports elsewhere, not least because if we have more flights in the South East we will have to have fewer in the rest of the UK to reach our carbon reduction targets. Will the Minister seek to persuade the new Prime Minister that she needs to make this decision with the interests of every part of the UK in mind?”
A. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: “I assure the noble Baroness that, knowing the new Prime Minister well, the right honourable Lady will make all decisions, whether on airport expansion or on the economy and our position on the international stage, focusing on what is of benefit to the United Kingdom as a whole. The noble Baroness raises an important issue about regional airport capacity and regional connectivity. I assure her and the whole House again that the decision taken on expansion of south-east capacity will reflect the importance of the aviation industry and airport connectivity, in particular to our international positioning.”
Q. Lord Rosser (Lab): “Are there any issues relating to additional runway capacity in the south-east and the Davies commission report that are now being considered by Theresa May’s Government that were not being considered, prior to his leaving office, by David Cameron’s Government?”
A. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: “The Government’s position remains consistent. The Prime Minister may have changed but the Government’s position remains that the Davies commission was commissioned to look specifically at airport capacity in the south-east. As I said earlier, there are three options on the table and they are all being considered.”
Q. Lord Mawhinney (Con): “My Lords, my noble friend Lord Spicer asked when the Government’s decision will be announced. I wonder whether my noble friend could answer that Question.”
A. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: “The best answer I can give is that the Government will be looking to make that decision very shortly.”
Q. Lord Harris of Haringey (Lab): “My Lords, does that not imply that the consistency of the Government’s position, which the Minister has just referred to, is that this issue is to be kept in the long grass for as long as possible?”
A. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: “I assure the noble Lord that there is no long grass. To continue with that metaphor, I have the lawnmower at the ready if there was any such long grass. I do not think it is inconsistent at all. The Government have given priority to this decision. The previous Government and the previous Prime Minister commissioned the Davies commission to look at this important issue. I have already reiterated the point that the Government are giving high priority to this issue. The decision will be made shortly.”
Q. Lord Stoddart of Swindon (Ind. Lab): “Does the decision of the Government to widen the M4 to an eight-lane motorway indicate that the decision has already been made for a new runway at Heathrow, in spite of the enormous opposition to such a project?”
A. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: “I assure the noble Lord that no decision has yet been made.”
Q. Lord Cormack (Con): “My Lords, is “shortly” sooner or later?”
A. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: “That is a very open-ended question but I would be very much inclined to say to my noble friend: sooner.”
Q. Lord Clinton-Davis (Lab): “My Lords, I congratulate the noble Lord, Lord Spicer, on his unremitting campaign for the best interests of British aviation. Is it not clear that the longer a decision on this vital issue is delayed, the worse it will be for British aviation? In my view, a decision should have been made long ago, and the Government are playing for time. The more we encounter delay, the more British aviation will suffer while its rivals manage to march forward unremittingly.”
A. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: “I agree with the noble Lord about the way in which my noble friend Lord Spicer has ensured that this issue is kept at the forefront. I assure all noble Lords that the importance of the aviation sector is a high priority for this Government. I further assure the noble Lord that the decision that will be taken will be in the best interests of the aviation sector, as well as of the country as a whole.”
Transport Questions – House of Commons – 15th September 2016 (Airport Expansion)
Q. Margaret Ferrier (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) (SNP): “What plans he has to expand airport capacity.”
Q. Dr Rupa Huq (Ealing Central and Action) (Lab): “When he plans to announce his policy on airport expansion in the south-east”.
A. The Secretary of State for Transport (Chris Grayling): “The Government are committed to delivering the important infrastructure projects that the country needs, including delivering runway capacity in the south-east on the timetable set out by the Airports Commission. We are currently undertaking further work, including assurance of the Airports Commission’s evidence and on air quality, and the decision will be made shortly.”
Q. Margaret Ferrier: “The new Transport Secretary, a fierce advocate of the UK exiting the EU, has already done more than enough to wreak economic havoc. Perhaps he would care to use his new position to mitigate some of that damage by putting an end to this third runway debacle. If not, will he apologise to businesses and commuters in Scotland for putting their economic interests on the line?”
A. Chris Grayling: “First, I would simply remind the hon. Lady that some of the things that were said about our economy have not proved to be the case, and that under this Government our economy continues to do well. I would also say to her that this Government retain, and will always retain, a commitment to the economy and the people of Scotland, as part of one United Kingdom. The decision that we seek to take on runway capacity in the south-east, whatever it may be, will be designed to benefit the whole of the United Kingdom by improving our connectivity to the world.”
Q. Dr. Huq: “When the previous Prime Minister was reminded of his words “no ifs, no buts” that there would be no third runway at Heathrow, he said that a decision would be made this summer. The current Government position is that the decision will be announced in October, and the current Prime Minister seems to be erasing all evidence of her previous opposition to the proposal. After the Davies debacle and the expenditure of £20 million, it looks as though there is going to be a ​free vote. Can the Secretary of State confirm or deny that? To my constituents, this looks like a protracted fudge.”
Mr Speaker: “Order.  We need shorter questions”.
A. Chris Grayling: “I am afraid that the hon. Lady is going to have to wait for us to set out our plans. I have said today that we are committed to making our decision shortly. I regard this as an important decision for our nation, and it is one that we need to get on with. We have of course seen a significant change in the Administration across the summer, and it is right and proper that the Prime Minister and I should be sufficiently prepared to make the decision. We will make sure that that is the case.”
Q. Sir Simon Burns (Chelmsford) (Con): “Does my right hon. Friend agree that, if we want to keep London as the hub airport for Western Europe, it is crucial that we deal with the capacity problems that currently affect Heathrow in particular? This saga has been going on for so long, and I want him to ensure that we have no further delays in reaching a conclusion on the Davies recommendations. May I also tell him that there is only one obvious answer, and that it is Heathrow?”
A. Chris Grayling: “As you know, Mr Speaker, there are differing opinions on this across the House, and it is right and proper that the Government should look in a dispassionate way at all three options recommended to us by the Davies commission, assess the strengths and weaknesses of what is being offered and take the right decision in the interests of our nation. I assure the House that that is what we will do.”
Q. Sir Roger Gale (North Thanet) (Con): “As Britain leaves the European Union, we are going to have to develop more markets in Asia and the far east. That will mean more passenger traffic and, in particular, more freight traffic. Is it not therefore essential for the national interest that RiverOak’s plans for a freight hub at Manston should be allowed to proceed and to be successful, and that we should preserve Manston as an airport?”
A. Chris Grayling: “I absolutely understand how strongly people in Thanet feel about the future of Manston. I know how controversial it is, and has been. I can simply say to my hon. Friend that this Government would be perfectly supportive of proposals to develop a freight hub at Manston, but I am afraid that that has to be a matter for the local community, the owners and the local authority, and I hope that they reach the right decision in the interest of the nation.”
Q. Nick Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): “The expansion will use 370,000 tonnes of steel and Heathrow has committed to using UK steel. Whatever the decision on airport infrastructure, what will the Secretary of State do to ensure that UK steel is used in any expansion?”
A. Chris Grayling: “I am an unashamed champion of this country’s businesses and of what we do as a nation to give them the best possible opportunities. While we are an outward-facing nation and will always do business with companies from around the world, it is right and proper that we champion organisations that deliver in ​this country, such as our steelmakers. I am proud that our railways use almost entirely British steel and want British steel to be used in all our major infrastructure projects.”
Q. Dr Tania Mathias (Twickenham) (Con): “Although residents would agree that there is a need for airport expansion, does the Secretary of State share the concerns of the three quarters of a million people who live under Heathrow’s flight path about the new plan, about the change to the tunnelling of the M25 and about the lifting of a cap on the limit of aircraft movement? Does he agree with residents that Heathrow cannot be trusted not to go for a fourth runway and not to have night flights?”
A. Chris Grayling: “I am well aware of how strongly people in west London feel. I am also aware of how strongly people around Gatwick feel, albeit they are smaller in number than those around Heathrow. My hon. Friend is passionate about such issues and I can only assure her that the Government will have in mind the impact on noise and air quality and how that is dealt with as we reach a view on the Davies commission’s recommendations.”
Q. Andy McDonald (Middlesborough) (Lab): “As a veteran of almost 12 weeks in post, I congratulate the right hon. Gentleman on his appointment. He is the second Secretary of State I have had the pleasure of shadowing. I welcome him and his new Ministers to their places and look forward to many discussions about transport in the months ahead. A decision on airport expansion in the south-east is long overdue and has been made only more urgent by the vote to leave the European Union and the consequent need to demonstrate that the UK is open for business. Already twice delayed to avoid party political bickering inside the Tory party, there are now rumours that Ministers will be given a free vote. This is neither a constitutional issue nor a matter of conscience; it is a nationally critical infrastructure project. Will the Secretary of State tell the House the exact date on which he will confirm that the decision, whatever it is, will have the backing of the full Cabinet?”
A. Chris Grayling:  “I am grateful for the hon. Gentleman’s words of welcome. He is underemployed in comparison with my previous shadow, who held two shadow Cabinet roles, so perhaps there will also be an opportunity for him to have additional responsibilities. I look forward to sparring across the Dispatch Box with somebody so much more experienced than I am in this role. The decision is important for our nation’s strategic interests. I am new to this job, as the hon. Gentleman points out, and the Prime Minister is new to hers, so we want to ensure that we have done the necessary work and are properly informed before we take a decision. I did a lot over the summer to ensure that that was the case, including visiting the sites of all three proposals. I have carefully considered the issues and the Prime Minister is doing the same. We will reach a view shortly and will bring it to the House. It is right and proper that everyone in the House will be able to have a say in this important matter.”
Q. Mrs Cheryl Gillan (Chesham & Amersham) (Con) and Stephen Kinnock (Aberavon) (Lab): “What assessment he has made of the effect of the result of the EU referendum on the timetable for a decision on Heathrow expansion.”
A. Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling: “The Prime Minister will begin the negotiation for Britain’s future relationship with the EU and will also take the decision about when to trigger article 50 and start the formal process of leaving the EU. As I said a moment ago, as we move into the new world beyond our membership of the European Union, it is important that we are an outward-facing nation with strong business ties around the world. The decision on runway capacity is an important part of that, and it is important that we get it right. We will take that decision and move ahead with our plans, ensuring that we have the right links for the future.”
Q. Mrs Gillan: “I am sure that the Secretary of State shares my enthusiasm about the referendum result giving us vast opportunities to forge new links around the world. The Airports Commission estimated that the economic benefit of expanding Heathrow would be up to £23.6 billion for the south-east, as opposed to £12.4 billion if Gatwick is expanded. Expansion at Heathrow would greatly benefit Buckinghamshire. Will my right hon. Friend think about putting a date on this and letting us know when he will make a decision? Will he commit to an integrated transport strategy that benefits the people of Bucks—unlike HS2?”
A. Chris Grayling: “I will not give an exact date today, but I assure the House that we intend to take the decision soon. It is important that we move ahead with these plans. I hear what my right hon. Friend says about Heathrow. I have seen three effective, well-crafted proposals for the Government and this House to consider. We will reach a view shortly about what recommendation we will seek to make.”
Q. Stephen Kinnock: “The Prime Minister has claimed that she wishes to govern in the interests of the whole country. The expansion of Heathrow would deliver more than 8,000 jobs for Wales and contribute more than £6 billion to the growth of our economy. Does the Secretary of State agree that the expansion of Heathrow is the only right answer for the economy of Wales?”
A. Chris Grayling: “I hear what the hon. Gentleman says, and he clearly has a strong view on this matter. As he will have seen, strong views are held on both sides of the House and on all three sides of this argument. I note what he says about the importance of proper air links for Wales. This Government will always focus on the best way we have at our disposal to help Wales, but we have to take a decision about the interests of our collective United Kingdom and which option is better, and that is the decision we will take.”
Q. Steve Double (St. Austell & Newquay) (Con): “Does my right hon. Friend agree that, now that the British people have decided to leave the EU and free our country from the interference and over-regulation it brought, the Government have new opportunities to support regional connectivity? Will he look closely at the opportunities that a decision on Heathrow would bring?”
A. Chris Grayling: “It is worth saying that whatever decision we take about airport expansion, it is important that we have in mind the need to make sure that we have good connectivity around the UK, and I assure my hon. Friend that that will be a priority in our considerations.”
Q. Ruth Cadbury (Brentford and Isleworth) (Lab): “Will the Secretary of State reassure me that he will not be diverted by claims about the difference Brexit makes to airport expansion and will address the costs to the taxpayer of road and rail infrastructure that would be required for a third runway? Will he also look at the comparative costs for other alternatives, such as Gatwick?”
A. Chris Grayling: “It is clearly important that we take our decision in the interests of the nation and that we foster ties around the world and within Europe. We are not leaving Europe; we are leaving the European Union. We want to retain good, strong economic ties with our neighbours in Europe. It is important that we take the right decision for the whole of our nation, and that is what we will do.”
Parliamentary Questions
Q1. Question (43767) asked by Ruth Cadbury (Brentford & Isleworth) on 21st July 2016: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will estimate the contribution to the UK economy of airline passengers who have transferred through Heathrow Airport in each of the last three years.”
A. John Hayes on 5th September 2016: “The Department has no plans to undertake such analysis of the specific contribution.  However, transfer passengers benefit the UK economy primarily through increased connectivity – their demand has helped to make more flights and routes viable, generating connectivity benefits to UK residents. In addition, they have directly contributed to revenue and employment for UK airlines and Heathrow airport.”
Q2. Question (43833) asked by Zac Goldsmith (Richmond) on 21st July 2016: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make it his policy to require Heathrow Airport to pay for relocation for the Lakeside Energy From Waste Facility in the event of that airport being awarded a third runway.”
A. John Hayes on 5th September 2016: “The Government is currently considering the Airports Commission’s comprehensive evidence. Commercial property, such as the Lakeside Energy from Waste facility, is a part of this consideration.”
Q3. Question (43834) asked by Zac Goldsmith (Richmond) on 21st July 2016: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment his Department has made of whether there will be an increase in airport-related traffic at Heathrow Airport in the event of that airport being awarded a third runway.”
A. John Hayes on 5th September 2016: “The Airports Commission undertook a range of detailed assessments to support its Final Report published in July 2015. The analysis included a detailed assessment of transport network impacts for each of the Commission’s three short-listed options.  Copies of the Commission’s Surface Access: Dynamic Modelling Reports, and, Strategic and Local Roads Study for both the Heathrow Northwest Runway and the Heathrow Extended Northern Runway schemes and Gatwick Second Runway; along with a Freight Impacts Study, Resilience Study and a Demand Management Study were published alongside its Final Report, and are available from the Commission website at the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/airports-commission-final-report-surface-access
The Government will carefully consider all the evidence set out when making a decision on the location of additional runway capacity.
Q.4. Question (43835) asked by Zac Goldsmith (Richmond) on 21st July 2016: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if his Department will require Heathrow Airport to accept the recommendation of the Civil Aviation Authority that night flights at that airport be banned between 11.00pm and 6.00am before the Government makes a decision on airport expansion.”
A. John Hayes on 5th September 2016: “The Airports Commission shortlisted three airport expansion schemes, two at Heathrow and one at Gatwick. The Government accepted the Commission’s shortlist in December 2015, and has since been undertaking a programme of further work, including on mitigation, to support a decision on a preferred scheme. We are carefully considering the evidence in relation to all three schemes, including the Commission’s comprehensive evidence base and recommendations. These recommendations included a ban on night flights between 1130 and 0600 for its preferred scheme, the Heathrow Northwest Runway. We are aware of no such recommendation from the Civil Aviation Authority.”
Q.5. Question (43836) asked by Andy Slaughter (Hammersmith) on 21st July 2016: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether it is the Government’s policy that the airport that is awarded an extra runway must meet the costs of any surface access works required by that expansion.”
A. John Hayes on 5th September 2016: “The government has been clear that we expect the promoter of any airport expansion scheme to meet the full cost of any surface access schemes that are required as a direct result of airport expansion and from which they will directly benefit.”
Q.6. Question (43837) asked by Andy Slaughter (Hammersmith) on 21st July 2016: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department has undertaken or commissioned an environmental impact assessment of a construction phase for a third runway at Heathrow Airport.”
A. John Hayes on 5th September 2016: “The Airports Commission shortlisted three airport expansion schemes, two at Heathrow and one at Gatwick. The Government accepted the Commission’s shortlist in December 2015, and has since been undertaking a programme of further work to support a decision on a preferred scheme. The preferred scheme promoter would need to undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment as part of any Development Consent application it makes.”
Q.7. Question (43838) asked by Dr Tania Mathias (Twickenham) on 21st July 2016: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what (a) models and (b) criteria his Department is using to make a cost and benefit analysis of the effect of the proposed Northwest runway at Heathrow Airport on economic growth and the environment.”
A. John Hayes on 5th September 2016: “The Airports Commission shortlisted three airport expansion schemes, two at Heathrow and one at Gatwick. The Government accepted the Commission’s shortlist in December 2015 and is considering all of the evidence very carefully before reaching a view on its preferred scheme. The Government is not providing a running commentary on this work and nor would it be appropriate to outline specific pieces of evidence before an announcement on its preference. Any work to inform an announcement will be set out in subsequent publications and associated consultation.”
Q.8. Question (43839) asked by Dr Tania Mathias (Twickenham) on 21st July 2016: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will estimate the number of long-haul business passengers that will terminate at Heathrow Airport in 2050 (a) with and (b) without a third runway at that airport; and what proportion of those passengers will be (i) UK residents and (ii) foreign visitors.”
A. John Hayes on 5th September 2016: “The estimated numbers of total passengers that will terminate at Heathrow Airport in 2050 are as follows:
·         without airport expansion: 88.0 million terminal passengers. Of these, the estimated number of long-haul business passengers is 16.08 million, of which 59.75% of these are estimated to be UK residents and 40.25% foreign visitors;
·         with a third runway at Heathrow: 114.8 million terminal passengers. Of these, the estimated number of long-haul business passengers is 16.29 million, of which 59.81% of these are estimated to be UK residents and 40.19% foreign visitors.
These estimates are based on the Airports Commission forecasts of July 2015, Assessment of Need/carbon traded scenario. They include both departures and arrivals at Heathrow airport and exclude transfer passengers.”
Q.9. Question (43840) asked by Dr Tania Mathias (Twickenham) on 21st July 2016: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many long-haul business passengers terminated at Heathrow Airport in 2011; and what proportion of those passengers were (a) UK residents and (b) foreign visitors.”
A. John Hayes on 5th September 2016: “In 2011, around 5 million long-haul business passengers terminated at Heathrow. Of these passengers, 53% were UK residents and 47% were foreign visitors.  This estimate includes arrivals and departures at Heathrow but excludes transfer passengers.”
Q.10. Question (43841) asked by Dr Tania Mathias (Twickenham) on 21st July 2016: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what he plans the timescale to be for the planned public consultation after the Government has made its decision on airport expansion.”
A. John Hayes on 5th September 2016: “The Government will take a view on the timing of a public consultation once it has reached a decision on its preferred scheme.”
Q.11. Question (43842) asked by Dr Tania Mathias (Twickenham) on 21st July 2016: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, in which month he plans to make an announcement on airport expansion.”
A. John Hayes on 5th September 2016: “The Government remains fully committed to delivering the important infrastructure projects it has set out, including delivering runway capacity on the timetable set out by Sir Howard Davies. The Government will carefully consider all the evidence before reaching a view on its preferred scheme.”
Q.12. Question (43845) asked by James Berry (Kingston & Surbiton) on 21st July 2016: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment his Department has made of the potential effect on the level of fees charged by Heathrow Airport to airlines in the event of a third runway being built at that airport.”
A. John Hayes on 5th September 2016: “The Airports Commission shortlisted three airport expansion schemes, two at Heathrow and one at Gatwick. The Government accepted the Commission’s shortlist in December 2015 and is considering all of the evidence very carefully before reaching a view on its preferred scheme. The Government is not providing a running commentary on this work and nor would it be appropriate to outline specific pieces of evidence before an announcement on its preference. Any work to inform an announcement will be set out in subsequent publications and associated consultation.”
Q.13. Question (43846) asked by James Berry (Kingston & Surbiton) on 21st July 2016: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans his Department has to use the National Noise Attitudes Survey 2014 to update the Government’s policy on aviation noise and health costs.”
A. John Hayes on 5th September 2016: “The Government is taking account of all relevant evidence in its current review of policy on aviation noise.”
Q.14. Question (43848) asked by Adam Afriyie (Windsor) on 21st July 2016: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of implementing the recommendation of the Civil Aviation Authority that night flights at Heathrow Airport be banned between 11.00pm and 6.00am on the two runways at that airport.”
A. John Hayes on 5th September 2016: “We are aware of no such recommendation from the Civil Aviation Authority.”
Q.15. Question (43873) asked by Kate Hoey (Vauxhall) on 21st July 2016: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if his Department will request that Heathrow Airport complies with all the conditions set out by the Airports Commission in its final report, published in July 2015, before making an announcement on airport expansion in the UK.”
A. John Hayes on 5th September 2016: “A number of important decisions on airport capacity were taken by the Government in December 2015, including to accept the case for expansion in the South-East and the three schemes shortlisted by the Airports Commission. However, we must take the time to get the decision right on a preferred scheme.  The Government believes it is essential that expansion via any of the shortlisted schemes is accompanied by a strong package of measures to mitigate the impacts on communities and the environment, and will set out any requirements in this area on a preferred scheme promoter in due course.”
Q.16. Question (43874) asked by Ruth Cadbury (Brentford & Isleworth) on 21st July 2016: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to recommendation 11 of the Environmental Audit Committee in its First Report of Session 2015-16, on The Airports Commission Report: carbon emissions, air quality and noise, HC 389, whether his Department has carried out an assessment of the likely costs of preventing an adverse impact on health from expansion at Heathrow Airport.”
A. John Hayes on 5th September 2016: “The Airports Commission shortlisted three airport expansion schemes, two at Heathrow and one at Gatwick. The Government accepted the Commission’s shortlist in December 2015, and has since been undertaking a programme of further work to support a decision on a preferred scheme. The preferred scheme promoter would need to undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment as part of any Development Consent application it makes.”
Q.17. Question (43919) asked by Bob Blackman (Harrow East) on 21st July 2016: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate the Government has made of the cost to the public purse of constructing a third runway at Heathrow Airport over the course of the construction period.”
A. John Hayes on 8th September 2016: “The Airports Commission shortlisted three airport expansion schemes, two at Heathrow and one at Gatwick. The Government accepted the Commission’s shortlist in December 2015 and is considering all of the evidence very carefully before reaching a view on its preferred scheme. The Government is not providing a running commentary on this work and nor would it be appropriate to outline specific pieces of evidence before a decision is announced on its preference. Any work to inform an announcement will be set out in subsequent publications and associated consultation.”
Q.18. Question (43920) asked by Bob Blackman (Harrow East) on 21st July 2016: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if the Government will make it its policy not to take a decision on the location of an additional runway until its reviews of UK airspace and the Aviation Policy Framework have been completed.”
A. John Hayes on 8th September 2016: “The Government remains fully committed to delivering the important infrastructure projects it has set out, including delivering runway capacity on the timetable set out by Sir Howard Davies.  In the coming weeks the Government will carefully consider all of the evidence before reaching a view on its preferred scheme.”
Q.19. Question (43997) asked by Zac Goldsmith (Richmond Park) on 21st July 2016: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to recommendation 22 of the Environmental Audit Committee in its First Report of Session 2015-16, on the Airports Commission Report: carbon emissions, air quality and noise, HC 389, what his policy is on implementing that recommendation as it applies to requiring Heathrow Airport to set out proposals for mitigation.”
A. John Hayes on 5th September 2016: “The Airports Commission shortlisted three airport expansion schemes, two at Heathrow and one at Gatwick. The Government accepted the Commission’s shortlist in December 2015, and has since been undertaking a programme of further work, including on mitigation, to support a decision on a preferred scheme. We are carefully considering the evidence in relation to all three schemes, including the Airports Commission’s comprehensive work and the recommendations in the Environmental Audit Committee’s interim report.”
Q.20. Question (43998) asked by Zac Goldsmith (Richmond Park) on 21st July 2016: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to page 307 of the Airports Commission Final Report, published in July 2015, what steps his Department is taking to assess options for a legislative process for permanently banning a fourth runway at Heathrow Airport.”
A. John Hayes on 5th September 2016: “The Airports Commission shortlisted three airport expansion schemes, two at Heathrow and one at Gatwick. The Government accepted the Commission’s shortlist in December 2015 and is considering all of the evidence very carefully before reaching a view on its preferred scheme. It is vitally important that we get this decision right.  The Government is not providing a running commentary on this work and it would not be appropriate to opine on the Commission’s scheme-specific recommendations before an announcement on its preference.”
Q.21. Question (43553) asked by Lilian Greenwood (Nottingham South) on 20th July 2016: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the environmental assurance work his Department undertook in December 2015 in connection with runway expansion has been completed; and what the estimated cost of that work was to the public purse on the latest date for which figures are available.”
A. John Hayes on 8th September 2016: “The Department is undertaking work to understand the environmental impacts of additional airport capacity. Further details on procurement undertaken to support the Department on environmental impacts can be found here: https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/17ffaddc-3c19-4462-91ae-bf30029c08d9.”
Q. 22. Question (45281) asked by Jim Shannon (Strangford) on 6th September 2016: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the effect that a possible Heathrow Airport expansion will have on UK industry”.
A. John Hayes on 13th September 2016: “The Airports Commission shortlisted three airport expansion schemes, two at Heathrow and one at Gatwick. The Government accepted the Commission’s shortlist in December 2015 and is considering all of the evidence very carefully before reaching a view on its preferred scheme. The Government is not providing a running commentary on this work before an announcement on its preference”.
Q. 23. Question (45280) asked by Jim Shannon (Strangford) on 6th September 2016: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the importance of direct long-haul air links with a hub airport when opening trade discussions around the world”.
A. John Hayes on 13th September 2016: “Evidence on the links between long-haul air connections and international trade was presented by the Airports Commission in its Final Report and supporting documents. The Government is considering all of this evidence very carefully”.
Q. 24. Question (46248) asked by Zac Goldsmith (Richmond Park) on 13th September 2016: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate he has made of the number of staff (a) departing from his Department who accepted jobs with Heathrow Airport Limited and (b) arriving in his Department from Heathrow Airport Limited in each of the last five years”.
A. John Hayes on 21st September 2016: “The Department does not hold any information on the destination of employees, or their previous work history so is unable to provide an estimation or confirm numbers of staff”.
Q. 25. Question (44381) asked by Jim Shannon (Strangford) on 2nd September 2016: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the likely impact of the result of the EU referendum on the timetable for a decision on Heathrow expansion”.
A. John Hayes on 12th September 2016: “The Prime Minister will begin the negotiation for Britain’s future relationship with Europe and will also take the decision about when to trigger article 50 and start the formal process of leaving the EU. The Prime Minister has been clear that article 50 will not be triggered before the end of the year. The Government is committed to delivering the important infrastructure projects the country needs, including delivering runway capacity on the timetable set out by the Airports Commission. The Government are giving high priority to this issue and the decision will be made shortly”.
Q. 26. Question (45855) asked by Richard Burden (Birmingham, Northfield) on 9th September 2016: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what representations he has received from (a) Birmingham Airport and (b) other regional airports outside London on maintaining existing routes and increasing the number of long haul flights on offer; and if he will make a statement”.
A. John Hayes on 14th September 2016: “Transport Ministers have regular discussions with airport operators across the country on aviation policy issues, including domestic and international air connectivity. The UK’s airports operate commercially, and it is a matter for them to work collaboratively with airlines to maintain existing air services and develop new ones”.
Q. 27. Question (45722) asked by Philip Davies (Shipley) on 8th September 2016: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much private funding (a) Heathrow Airport and (b) Gatwick Airport declared to the Government would be invested as part of its expansion plans”.
A. John Hayes on 16th September 2016: “The Airports Commission shortlisted three airport expansion schemes, two at Heathrow and one at Gatwick. The Airports Commission considered that all three of the shortlisted schemes were commercially viable and privately financeable.  The Government is carefully considering all the evidence set out, including that on costs and financing, before making a decision on additional runway capacity”.

LONDON AND SOUTH EAST NEWS
2nd September – Heathrow critical to Brexit success says new report. The report (by the Centre for Economic and Business Research) into the independent Airport Commission study says expanding Heathrow could boost UK GDP by up to £24,500 per family.
2nd September – Gatwick begins new Cathay Pacific service to Hong Kong. The new four-times-a-week service to Hong Kong is Gatwick’s third new route to the country this year.
2nd September – Heathrow sets out 5 clear pledges to guarantee more business for the UK’s SMEs.  These are the latest output from the collaboration between Heathrow, the Federation of Small Businesses and Chambers of Commerce across the country.
4th September – Flights diverted after hole closes runway at Gatwick. Flights had to circle above the airport for 10 mins before its alternative runway was opened later that evening.
5th September – Gatwick serves 42 million passengers annually for the first time ever. Gatwick Chief Financial Officer Nick Dunn said: “Politically, economically and environmentally, the case for Gatwick expansion has never been stronger.”
6th September – BA flights disrupted at London City Airport by protestors on runway. The airline said that due to protester action at the airport all flights had been suspended.
6th September –Gatwick claims ‘triple-counting’ of international passengers at Heathrow. Gatwick made a Freedom of Information request for the data used by the Davies Commission and said key evidence had been ignored.
6th September – Gatwick applies to have lower costs for night flights in summer 2017/2018 says GON. Local campaign group Gatwick Obviously NOT (GON) claims the airport has applied to the CAA to be allowed to reduce the price charged to aircraft to land at night.
6th September – Heathrow CEO says Gatwick 2nd runway would not benefit economy. A report commissioned by Heathrow says the extra runway could boost Britain’s gross domestic product by up to £24,480 per family over a 60-year period compared to the estimate that 2nd runway at Gatwick would produce a lift of £13,280 over the same period.
7th September – Gatwick building first airport waste plant of its kind in the world. In partnership with DHL, it’s set to become the first airport in the world able to dispose of Category 1 waste on site and convert it into energy, the airport announced today.
9th September – Secret document reveals Heathrow free vote plans. The government is considering giving ministers a free vote on controversial plans to build a third runway at Heathrow, according to a document seen by Channel 4 News.
10th September – Heathrow is to seek 50 extra flights a day. More than 50 additional aircraft a day could take off and land at Heathrow even before a third runway is built under plans to accelerate the airport’s expansion.
10th September – Heathrow offers £3 billion cost cut in bid to get 3rd runway. The Times says airport is preparing to shave almost a fifth off the project budget and accelerate the building process by 12 months to deliver more flights “quicker and cheaper”.
12th September – Residents who face losing their homes to make way for a 3rd runway at Heathrow delivered 1,000 Petition cards to 10 Downing Street. The petition cards were signed over 2 days at two local events in west London recently.
12th September – Heathrow and Gatwick both record busiest August amid airport expansion battle. 7.3 million passengers travelled through Heathrow last month, up 0.1% on August 2015 whilst 4.8 million passengers travelled through Gatwick, a 5.7% increase on last year.
12th September – Stansted Airport welcomes busiest month for nine years.  2.5 million passengers passed through the airport in August.
12th September – Heathrow to save 700 jobs in embattled UK steel industry.  Expanded Heathrow needs 370,000 tonnes of UK steel securing 700 British steel jobs.
13th September – Parliamentary support for Heathrow expansion grows as Government decision looms. New polling by ComRes revealed 67% of MPs back the project.
14th September – TSC Chairman writes to Secretary of State for Transport about airport expansion. He questions the economic case for HS2 and airport expansion.
15th September – Boris Johnson says Heathrow expansion is a ‘fantasy’. In his first comments on the issue since becoming Foreign Secretary, Mr Johnson backs a report from a Parliamentary group setting out detailed risks facing taxpayers from a new third runway.
18th September – Stansted ramps up its campaign to expand and build 2nd runway. MAG is to call on the Government to lift restrictions on passenger numbers as it ramps up its campaign to expand and eventually build a second runway.
19th September – New airline is to fly from London Luton. Starting in November, Fly Kiss will fly to Clermont-Ferrand, Brest and Strasbourg.
20th September – Luton Airport CFO says not to panic about Brexit.  At an industry event he said there is not enough information to know what the impact of leaving the EU will be.
21st September – City Hall dismisses Green Party’s comments on City Airport expansion. The Mayor of London’s office has rejected claims he is sending out “mixed messages” about air pollution in light of the London City Airport expansion.
21st September – PM won’t rule out new runways at both Heathrow and Gatwick. Theresa May has brushed off allegations of dithering over airport expansion.
26th September – Gatwick Growth Board to probe the airport’s economic impact. It has commissioned an independent assessment from consultants Oxford Economics into the positive economic impact created by the airport at a local, regional, and national level.
27th September – Gatwick has submitted new evidence supporting its 2nd runway case. It has submitted a summary of new evidence to the Government’s Economy and Industrial Strategy (Airports) sub-Committee.
28th September – PM has backing in Parliament to push through Heathrow expansion. The government will not make a final decision about how to proceed until an aviation subcommittee — chaired by Mrs May — meets on either October 11 or 18.
29th September – Heathrow offers ‘Brexit boost’ to British economy in new plan. The benefits could be delivered 4 years early, giving a £1.5bn ‘boost’ whilst a 3rd runway is built, say new proposals to be launched on the first day of the Conservative Party Conference.
29th September – Gatwick scoops two awards for protecting greenspace around it. The awards were given for its commitment to protecting and enhancing the natural biodiversity of the local greenspace surrounding the airport.
30th September – New route is to Moscow to start from Gatwick Airport. There will be a brand new daily service to Moscow, from airline Aeroflot, starting 15 November 2016.

REGIONAL NEWS
1st September – Dublin Airport issues statement re: Ryanair schedule for Summer2017. Airport M.D. Vincent Harrison says he is disappointed that Ryanair has decided to reduce some of its capacity from Dublin next year.
1st September – Flybe has launched a service from Manchester to Luxembourg. This is a destination that was previously only accessible from the UK via London airports.
1st September – Air Lingus commences Dublin/New York route. The Irish flag carrier will serve the airport pair daily using its 267-seat A330-200s on a year-round basis.
1st September – Jet2 set to create 50 new positions at Belfast International Airport. The development is part of a major recruitment drive, with the company aiming to fill 1,000 new roles in pilot, cabin crew and engineering positions.
6th September – Almost 200 Edinburgh Airport flight path consultation responses lost. Consultation now extended until 19 September and people urged to resubmit.
6th September – KLM agree new ‘long term agreement’ to fly from Durham Airport.  ‘Very encouraging performance’ on service to Schiphol after 5% rise in passengers last year.
6th September – August overtakes July as busiest month at Belfast Airport.  A further jobs boost is predicted after the airport reported its best ever month for passenger growth.
6th September – New link to Edinburgh Airport for West Fifers should open in December. A £41m interchange station is being built at Gogar allowing passengers to transfer from the train to a new stop on the tram network. They can then take the tram directly to airport.
6th September – Campaign group relaunches efforts to stop night flights at Manston. No Night Flights wants to stop US investment business RiverOak from reopening the runway and turning it into a cargo operation.
6th September – Thomas Cook to launch new US route from Manchester. It is to launch direct flights from Manchester to San Francisco next spring.
7th September – Lively public meeting in Linlithgow on problems of Edinburgh Airport’s changed flight paths. The audience travelled from across the region and the CEO of Edinburgh airport, Gordon Dewar, attended.
7th September – Ryanair announce 11 new Glasgow routes for Summer2017. The budget airline will launch ten new routes from Glasgow Airport and one from Prestwick.
7th September – Final Leeds Bradford Airport Masterplan document to be published by the end of the year. More than 100 responses to the consultation process were submitted.
7th September – Newcastle Airport traffic up 2.7% in first half of 2016. This represents a 55,967 net increase in passengers for the six month period.
8th September – Record August at Birmingham Airport. Almost 1.3 million passengers passed through the terminal during that month.
8th September – Edinburgh Airport bosses told to cut plane noise in flight path row. Edinburgh Airport Watch is concerned that airspace changes may have already been made.
11th September – RAC criticise East Midlands Airport car parking fees. The fees rank the airport third in a list of the country’s most expensive airports, compiled by the RAC.
12th September – There may be possible re-consideration of expanding Birmingham airport to rebalance UK airport capacity. The FT reports Theresa May is considering expansion of Birmingham after the city is linked to London by the high-speed HS2 rail line.
12th September – Flybe Cardiff to London City link coincides with rail work. The three times-a day flights operate until 21 October but during the same period, the Severn Tunnel is closed as part of the rail electrification programme.
12th September – Old RAF base may be turned into new airport at Leeds. The owners of Leeds East Airport, formerly Church Fenton air base, have applied for an operator’s licence to run ‘VIP’ charter flights by Cello Aviation to Cannes, Faro and Malaga from next May.
12th September – Manchester Airport has busiest summer ever. Nearly 3m passengers jetted in and out of the hub in August – up 9 per cent on last year.
14th September – Southampton Airport celebrates record summer.  Almost 430,000 passengers travelled through during July and August – increase of 14.6% compared to the same period last year.
14th September – New engine testing facility opened at Norwich Airport. The purpose-built centre is to reduce aircraft noise and support aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities at the airport. (Please note: there are photos of the opening on our website).
14th September – Hole in runway at Aberdeen Airport causes flight cancellations. Several flights were cancelled and held up as a result of the problem, which was discovered at 5pm.
15th September – Bristol Airport brings forwards plans for new car park.  Council approves an application by the airport to re-phase work which will create 3,650 new long stay spaces.
15th September – ‘High level steering group’ appointed to oversee delivery of rail link to Glasgow Airport. The move follows crunch talks between the council leaders and ministers about the business plan and costs for the link.
20th September – Sharp fall in noise complaints at MAG’s 4 airports. It’s reported 41% drop in the number of complaints at Manchester, Stansted, East Midlands and Bournemouth.
20th September – Phase 2 of £56m Robin Hood Airport/Doncaster road approved. Plans for the 2nd section of a dual carriageway linking the M18 with the Airport have been approved.
21st September – New sunshine destination announced for Aberdeen Airport. A new twice-weekly route to Faro, in Portugal, will be available as early as summer next year.
21st September – MPs clash over airport tax and consequences on Cardiff Airport. Penarth’s Labour MP has criticised Vale’s Conservative MP claiming he had voted to restrict the growth of Cardiff Airport by blocking plans to devolve powers over APD.
21st September – Edinburgh Airport flight path consultation attracts over 5,000 responses. The consultation was launched in June this year and the process closed on Monday.
21st September – Ryanair launches new route to Faro from Newquay Airport. Along with two others to Alicante and Frankfurt Hahn, it says it will bring 57,000 visitors to the county.
22nd September – Dublin Airport may need a third passenger terminal.  As passenger numbers rise, a 3rd terminal may be needed as soon as 2020, believes the Republic’s Department of Transport.
26th September – Shannon Airport wins Marketing title. For the 2nd time in 3 years it’s won ‘Best Marketing of Airports’ as winner of the World Routes Marketing Awards 2016 for airports under 4million passengers at the World Routes Conference in Chengdu, China.
26th September – Dublin Airport wins World Routes award. The airport was today named the 2016 World Routes Award winner for airports in the 20-50 million passengers per year category at the World Routes Conference in Chengdu, China.
29th September – Heathrow expansion could fuel more flights from Leeds. Yorkshire could benefit from a planned expansion at Heathrow, 4 years before the opening of new runway.
30th September – Newcastle Airport negotiates new term loan facility. It confirmed today it has completed a project to refinance its bank debt including better interest rates terms.

NATIONAL AND OTHER INDUSTRY NEWS
5th September – New Yorkshire air ambulance enters service. The £6m Airbus H145 helicopter is the first of two that are to replace the charity’s current ageing aircraft.
6th September – British Airways delays being caused by world-wide computer glitch. The airline apologised and said its IT teams were working hard to remedy the situation.
6th September – Ryanair is recruiting for hundreds of cabin crew staff. The budget airline’s recruitment and training partner Crewlink has launched a major recruitment drive ahead of a huge growth in passenger numbers predicted for next summer.
7th September – ABTA welcomes Scottish Government’s APD reduction plan.  It urges the Scottish government to move as quickly as possible to implement this cut.
8th September – Airlines’ Brexit concern eases as pound drop pushes UK visits. More than two months after Brexit, carriers such as British Airways, Emirates and EasyJet Plc have concluded the fallout on traffic will be manageable.
11th September – Flybe C.E. suggests setting up commercial flights out of RAF Northolt. He reveals he has been in discussions with the CEO of Heathrow about setting up a shuttle service between the two airports.
14th September – UK domestic market sees fastest growth for a decade. UK domestic air travel grew by 4.6% in 2015 the highest rate of growth for more than a decade.
16th September – Germany wins contract for air traffic control at Edinburgh Airport. German’s state-owned DFS has 10 year contract, replacing NATS, beginning April 2018.
19th September – The number of air rage incidents on UK airlines has quadrupled over the last three years. There were 386 dangerous incidents in 2015, compared to 114 in 2014 and 85 in 2013, according to figures compiled by the CAA.
20th September – Crowdfunder launched to fund fight to re-open Plymouth Airport. Consortium campaign group FlyPlymouth hopes to raise £75,000 by October 29th.
21st September – Jet2.com set to become UK’s second largest carrier after Ryanair. Low-cost airline’s new base at Stansted expected to create 250 jobs.
26th September – Monarch Airlines denies it is in financial trouble. Says it’s “trading well”, after its Twitter feed was inundated with queries asking if the airline was going bust.
28th September – Ryanair adds new Belfast-Barcelona Girona route. It has extended its Belfast summer 2017 schedule with a new route to Barcelona Girona starting in March.
30th September – British Airways is to start selling Marks & Spencer food on board flights. It will be served on short-haul flights from next year but customers will have to pay for it.

EUROPEAN NEWS
2nd September – Greek airports will fund investment with departure tax. German airport operator Fraport is to run 14 regional airports, including three on the mainland and 11 on the Greek islands.
7th September – Commission proposes to establish a single EU procedure for aviation security screening equipment. A single EU certification will help overcome the current market fragmentation and strengthen the competitiveness of the EU security industry.

SASIG LIBRARY ADDITIONS
13th September – Issued from Defra, and placed on the SASIG website, a revised note incorporating comments received from some of the attendees of the Defra Noise Stakeholder meeting which took place on 12th July and attended by Jeremy Pine on behalf of SASIG.  This can also be read here.

14th September – New engine testing facility opened at Norwich Airport. Photos and Press release from Norwich Airport of their purpose-built centre to reduce aircraft noise and support aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities at the airport.   They can also be seen here.