As foreshadowed in September’s newsletter, October was a busy month for Aviation Policy. It started with Secretary of State Chris Grayling’s pronouncement about Heathrow Runway 3 at the Conservative Party conference and ended with a high-powered AoA Annual Conference and Transport Select Committee hearing on Aviation and Brexit, with the jam in the middle of the sandwich being a flurry of Government announcements and reports being published on 24th October.

 It will take a little while to absorb the ramifications of all of this, but it is clear a second consultation on LHR3 is underway that SASIG should respond to, that the Government has set out the broad terms of its modernising airspace policy and is signalling the direction of travel in relation to noise. While there is evidence of SASIG’s policy positions in these areas being recognised, there are others where it has not, and where further lobbying will be required.

The next SASIG meeting is scheduled for 11am on 16th November at One Great George St in London, and it will provide an opportunity discuss many of these issues, agree priorities and a collective way forward, and also to scope out key milestones over the next 18 months that members should be aware of. All receiving this newsletter are welcome to attend.

Chris Cain,
Head of Secretariat

Monthly Highlights
1st-4th October – Conservative Party Conference took place in Manchester.  In his speech, Transport Minister, Chris Grayling said that Britain is aiming to give the formal go-ahead to a third runway at Heathrow Airport in the first half of next year.
9th October – The Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling, made a statement concerning the steps that have been taken by Government to support those affected by the collapse of Monarch Airlines.
13th October – Deadline for responses to the Aviation Strategy call for evidence
24th October – The Secretary of State, Chris Grayling, made a statement outlining the next steps for airport expansion including a further consultation on the revised draft Airports National Policy Statement.
24th October – Government published its response to the Airspace Modernisation consultation held earlier this year.
24th October – Government published its revised draft Airports National Policy Statement.
24th October – DfT published its 2017 forecast of UK air passenger demand and aviation carbon dioxide emissions out to 2050.
27th October – Baroness Sugg was appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport replacing Lord Callanan who has been appointed Minister of State at the Department for Exiting the European Union.
30th October – TSC hears evidence from LHR, MAG, easyJet and IAG under its ‘Aviation and Brexit’ Inquiry.
30th October – Chris Grayling discussed progress with Heathrow expansion and changes to airspace management at the Airports Operators Association (AOA) conference.

Editor’s Forward Look

This list gathers European Commission public consultations in one place and replaces the former ‘Your voice in Europe’ website:

http://ec.europa.eu/info/consultations_en

A reminder to all members regarding the CAA’s Noise Impact Survey which began on 6th July 2017 and ends on 18th January 2018.  The CAA is keen to ensure that as many people as possible who are affected by aviation noise get the chance to respond. The survey can be accessed here.

Contents

Meetings and Conferences 

SASIG Meetings
1st November 2017: Surface Access Technical Working Group and Environment, Planning and Airspace Technical Working Group (Note: these meetings have also been postponed to a later date to be advised).
– 16th November 2017: SASIG full meeting (Venue: One Great George Street, London)
– 16th February 2018: SASIG full meeting (Venue: tbc)
– 11th July 2018: SASIG full meeting/AGM (Venue: tbc)
– 15th November 2018: SASIG full meeting (Venue: tbc)

External Meetings and Conferences
– 13th-14th November 2017: 6th European Aviation Conference: Dublin City University, Ireland.
–  6th-7th December 2017: AEI: 2017: Airport Expansion and Improvements:  Hosted and Sponsored by Heathrow Airport, London Heathrow Marriott Hotel.
– 12th April 2018: Priorities for airport development beyond the South-east: Westminster Energy, Environment and Transport Forum, Central Manchester.
– 14th-16th May 2018: 11th ACI Europe Regional Airports Conference & Exhibition: Naples, Italy.
– 12th-13th June 2018: 3rd British-Irish Airports Expo., London Olympia.  Heathrow will host the occasion.

Parliamentary and Government News 

1st-4th October – Conservative Party Conference took place in Manchester.
14th September-9th October – The House of Commons in Conference Recess.
14th September-9th October – The House of Lords in Summer Recess.

Transport Questions:

House of Commons:

9th October 2017 – Monarch Airlines
The Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling, made a statement concerning the steps that have been taken by Government to support those affected by the collapse of Monarch Airlines.  The statement and debate that followed may be seen here.
19th October 2017 – Leaving the EU: Civil Aviation
This debate between members of the Commons and the Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling, can be seen here.
19th October 2017 – Leaving the EU: Aviation Agreements
This debate between members of the Commons and the Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling, can be seen here.

House of Lords

9th October 2017
Lord Callanan, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, repeated the Secretary of State’s statement concerning the steps that have been taken by Government to support those affected by the collapse of Monarch Airlines. The debate following this may be seen here.
25th October 2017
A debate concerning amendment(s) to the Air Travel Organisers’ Licencing Bill can be seen here.

Parliamentary Questions

Q.1. Question (106709) asked by Zac Goldsmith (Richmond Park) on 9th October 2017: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when he plans to establish the proposed Independent Commission on Civil Aviation Noise”.

A. John Hayes on 12th October 2017: “The Government consulted on proposals for an Independent Commission on Civil Aviation Noise as part of its UK Airspace Policy consultation. We intend to respond to the consultation in the autumn, outlining the timetable for the Commission’s establishment”.

Q.2. Question (106708) asked by Zac Goldsmith (Richmond Park) on 9th October 2017: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what process he plans to put in place to identify and recruit the lead commissioner for the Independent Commission on Civil Aviation Noise”.
A. John Hayes on 12th October 2017: “The process to appoint the lead commissioner for the Independent Commission on Civil aviation noise will be in line with the Code of Practice issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments”.

Q.3. Question (106690) asked by Zac Goldsmith (Richmond Park) on 9th October 2017: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what (a) remit and (b) powers he plans to give the Independent Commission on Civil Aviation Noise”.
A. John Hayes on 12th October 2017: “The Government consulted on proposals for an Independent Commission on Civil Aviation Noise as part of its UK Airspace Policy consultation. We intend to respond to the consultation in the autumn, outlining the Commission’s remit and powers”.
Q.4. Question (HL1741) asked by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch on 9th October 2017: “To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they are having with the Civil Aviation Authority to ensure that air travellers have access to an independent ombudsman service able to provide quality dispute resolution in the light of the Ryanair and Monarch service failures”.
A. Lord Callanan on 17th October 2017: “Ryanair has an arrangement in place with an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) body which means that all of its passengers have access to a high standard of dispute resolution, similar to an ombudsman, for consumer disputes. Most airlines have contracts with ADR bodies and over 70% of UK passengers are now covered. The Government discusses progress on the provision of ADR regularly with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and we will also be considering consumer issues in the sector as part of the development of a new Aviation Strategy. As Monarch are no longer an operating company, dispute resolution is not an appropriate means for passengers to seek redress. The Government is committed to supporting those affected by the insolvency of Monarch Airlines. Further information can be found at the dedicated CAA microsite https://monarch.caa.co.uk, and helpline on 0300 303 2800 (UK), or +44 1753 330 330 (from overseas)”.

Q.5. Question (108491) asked by Kelly Tolhurst (Rochester & Strood) on 18th October 2017: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to increase the number of airfields in the UK”.
A. John Hayes on 26th October 2017: “The majority of airfields in the UK are privately run and owned. The Government takes the matter of airport capacity seriously. In March 2015 the Government published research that the Department for Transport commissioned from York Aviation entitled “The Economic Value of General Aviation in the UK”. That research contained an estimate of the jobs linked to the general aviation sector in the UK being 38,000. We are commissioning research on what a strategic network of general aviation airfields might look like and this research may review that calculation”.

Q.6. Question (108383) asked by Grant Shapps (Welwyn Hatfield) on 18th October 2017: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if his Department will actively promote the use of RAF Northolt to facilitate UK regional air links to Heathrow Airport; and whether he has made an assessment of the effect on connectivity of using RAF Northolt to facilitate regional air links”.
A. John Hayes on 24th October 2017: “I refer the Right Honourable Gentleman to the Airports Commission’s interim report of December 2013 conclusions on RAF Northolt. In addition, RAF Northolt is owned and operated by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and is primarily a military resource. Any policy decisions on expansion of civil aviation operations at the airfield are the responsibility of the RAF and the MOD”.

Q.7. Question (108643) asked by Kelly Tolhurst (Rochester & Strood) on 19th October 2017: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to increase regional aviation capacity”.
A. John Hayes on 26th October 2017: “The Government recognises that regional air connectivity across the UK is very important and airports support regional economies, create skilled employment opportunities and enable business and leisure travel. However, the UK aviation market operates in a competitive, commercial environment; it is therefore for airlines to determine which routes they operate. A priority for the new Aviation Strategy (Call for Evidence published July 2017) will be to ensure that the aviation sector continues to provide and improve regional connectivity across the regions and nations of the UK in a way that benefits the country as a whole. Also, as part of the Call for Evidence we asked for views on the proposed policy to support airports throughout the UK making the best use of their existing runways, subject to environmental issues being addressed, and we are now considering those responses”.

Q.8. Question (108696) asked by Andy McDonald (Middlesborough) on 19th October 2017: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the effect of Ryanair’s decision to cancel 11,000 flights on the capacity and resilience of the UK transport system”.
A. John Hayes on 24th October 2017: “Mindful of the capacity and resilience of the UK transport system, we would expect that other airlines will have sufficient capacity to be able to accommodate those passengers who require alternative arrangements. The Government’s priority has been to ensure that Ryanair are fulfilling their obligations to passengers affected by their cancellations. It is for Ryanair to manage their scheduling, and we would expect them to properly compensate passengers if they are not able to operate a flight. The government has begun the process of developing a new aviation strategy for the UK, and through that process we will be exploring issues around capacity, resilience and the consumer experience of the aviation sector”.

Q.9. Question (108933) asked by Stephen Hammond (Wimbledon) on 23rd October 2017: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate his Department has made of the cost of surface transport improvements to the rail and road network required for the expansion of Heathrow Airport to comply with environmental requirements set out in the final report of the Airports Commission, published in July 2015”.
A. John Hayes on 30th October 2017: “The Airports Commission estimated that the potential costs of the surface access provision for a northwest runway at Heathrow were around £5bn but recognised that the finalised details, and therefore costs, would be determined as part of the statutory planning process. Heathrow Airport Limited have committed to meet the costs of any surface access proposals that are essential to deliver airport expansion including works on the M25, the A4 and the A3044. Where proposed surface access projects have wider beneficiaries, such as the Western Rail and Southern Rail proposals, the Government will consider funding a proportion based on benefits for airport users and other beneficiaries in line with our Aviation Policy Framework. The Government has been clear that as part of any planning application the promoter will need to set out in detail how it would achieve the environmental targets set out in the draft National Policy Statement as part of its plans for mitigating the impact of expansion”.

Q.10. Question (108931) asked by Ruth Cadbury (Brentford & Isleworth) on 23rd October 2017: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the Government plans to provide financial support to ensure that the expansion of Heathrow Airport results in an increase in the number of domestic routes”.
A. John Hayes on 31st October 2017: “The preferred expansion of Heathrow Airport will provide strong commercial opportunities to attract airlines to provide more and better routes to the nations and regions of the UK. The Government will take all necessary steps, including – where appropriate – ring-fencing new slots under Public Service Obligations (PSOs), to deliver enhanced connectivity within the UK”.

Government News

1st-4th October – Conservative Party Conference took place in Manchester.  In his speech, Transport Minister, Chris Grayling said that Britain is aiming to give the formal go-ahead to a third runway at Heathrow Airport in the first half of next year.
9th October – The Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling, made a statement concerning the steps that have been taken by Government to support those affected by the collapse of Monarch Airlines.  The statement and debate that followed may be seen here.  24th October – Government published its response to the Airspace Modernisation consultation held earlier this year.  It can be seen here.
24th October – Government published its revised draft Airports National Policy Statement.  Details can be seen here.
24th October – The Secretary of State, Chris Grayling, made a written statement to Parliament outlining the next steps for airport expansion including a further consultation on the revised draft Airports National Policy Statement. Further details can be seen here.
24th October – DfT published its 2017 forecast of UK air passenger demand and aviation carbon dioxide emissions to 2050.  Details of this can be seen here.
27th October 2017 – Baroness Sugg was appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport replacing Lord Callanan who has been appointed Minister of State at the Department for Exiting the European Union.
30th October – The Secretary of State, Chris Grayling discussed progress with Heathrow expansion and changes to airspace management at the AOA conference.  His speech can be seen here.

National and Regional News

2nd October New Chairman is appointed for GACC.  Peter Barclay will take over from Brendon Sewill this month as Chairman of the Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign (GACC).
3rd October Airport future threatened by failure to form executive claim.  SDLP leader claims the failure to form Stormont Executive threatens the future of City of Derry Airport.
3rd October Millions could be spent to boost Norwich Airport Industrial Estate. Consultants say with regeneration and investment, there’s real potential for the estate.
4th OctoberCornwall celebrates 80 years of flights between Land’s End and Isles of Scilly.
The first flight from Land’s End Airport to Scilly left on September 15th, 1937.
5th October ‘Inadequate’ public transport links affects London Luton Airport. The airport is unable to realise its full potential according to CBI’s East of England director.
9th OctoberSouthend Airport hopes to upgrade its terminal with two extensions. The airport must now wait to hear from Rochford district council to proceed with the plan.
9th October Luton Airport renews call for express-style rail link.  It claims that a lack of adequate public transport links is restricting the number of travellers using the airport.
10th OctoberNew multimodal hub is launched near East Midlands Airport. Two property partners have launched what they describe as an inland port, close to East Midlands Airport.
10th October Scottish SMEs can lay the foundation for Heathrow expansion. Scotland forecast to gain up to £14.1 billion and up to 16,100 new jobs from an expanded Heathrow.
11th October Cardiff Airport is to upgrade its terminal.  It’s investing £4m upgrading its terminal building and car parking facilities.
12th October New CE at Stansted looks forward to a decade of further growth. Ken O’Toole believes Stansted will overtake Manchester within the MAG group.
13th OctoberGatwick sets out its role. It outlines a series of steps to help passengers and the country in its response to call for evidence for Government’s future Aviation Strategy.
18th October Stansted Airport announces scaled back expansion plans. Following a public consultation this summer, it will apply to raise the cap to 43 mppa rather than 44.5 mppa.
18th OctoberNewcastle Airport owners buy Leeds Bradford Airport. AMP Capital has bought the airport in a deal that is understood to be worth more than £200m.
19th OctoberEuropean Regions Airline Association name London City Airport, Airport of the Year 2017.  This was awarded at the association’s annual General Assembly in Athens.
19th October Southend Airport announces plans for new business flights. Glyn Jones, CEO, Stobart Aviation said he’s talking to ‘two or three’ airlines every day to attract new business.
19th October – Boeing gets go-ahead for new hangar at Gatwick. Crawley BC has given permission to go ahead with full works scheduled to commence later this year.
23rd October Gatwick named top airport.  Gatwick has scooped three top awards at separate ceremonies.
24th October East Midlands Airport plans for future expansion and new destinations.
There could be a new-look terminal if the airport reaches 6.5 million passengers.
25th OctoberHeathrow doubts after new analysis shows Gatwick expansion ‘better than third runway’. A public consultation on Heathrow has been reopened following a series of reports published by the Dft.
26th OctoberLondon City expansion plans unveiled. Residents and environmental campaigners have said they are outraged by ambitious plans for a £400million expansion.
27th OctoberEast Midlands Parkway station is a ‘missed opportunity’ for regional connections says East Midlands Airport. It will ask for an increase in services.
27th October London City Airport unveils £400m redevelopment plans. Construction on the privately-funded project is due to begin early next year and be completed in 2021.
27th OctoberChris Grayling visits Aberdeen Airport and says it can benefit from Brexit.  Said leaving the EU could “create opportunities” for the north-east.
27th OctoberNew designation granted at Bristol Airport. The DfT has approved request to be designated as ‘partially coordinated’ under EC and UK Airport Slot Allocation Regulations.

Other Aviation Industry News  

2nd October – LEP leads spaceport delegation to the U.S.  The Cornwall & Isles of Scilly LEP is leading a trade delegation to support their spaceport bid at Newquay Airport.
2nd October – Monarch Airlines goes into administration. This is following a failure to agree a renewal of its package holiday licence with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
2nd October –3rd Heathrow runway is to get green light in months. Transport Minister says Britain is aiming to give the formal go-ahead in the first half of next year.
2nd October – 3rd runway plan is dead says Shadow Chancellor.  He spoke at a fringe event organised by the No 3rd Runway Coalition at the recent Labour Party Conference.
5th October – Scottish Government’s announcement on its replacement for APD including proposed exemption for Highlands and Islands, can be seen here.
5th October – Air departure tax plan is likely to be delayed. This is because ministers will not have time to achieve approval for the plan.
5th October – AOA CE response to Scottish Government’s announcement on its replacement for APD can be seen here.
5th October – Boeing-back, electric-hybrid airliner set to hit market in 2022. It’s hoped it can dramatically reduce the travel time and cost of trips under1,000 miles (1,600 km).
6th October – IATA urges more cooperation between governments and airlines to handle emissions. They say airlines can work with governments in four different areas to speed up the sustainability agenda.
9th October – World-wide passenger numbers increase. IATA statistics show passengers took an additional 242 million air trips in 2016 – 7% increase on the previous year.
12th October – Airlines face bankruptcy over Brexit. Speaking at the Aviation Summit at Heathrow, CityJet’s C.E. said the current economic situation’s already causing problems.
12th October – An article in Air Cargo News entitled: “Full list of Heathrow’s 10 cargo commandments to stay green” despite 3rd runway can be seen here.
17th October –ACI releases Policy Brief on airport networks and the sustainability of small airports.  Further details can be read here.
19th October – Big airports get busier while smaller ones see fewer passengers. This is according to a new ACI report. Details about the report can be seen here.
23rd October – Passenger pick-up charges increase at nearly half UK airports. Research by RAC shows also shows nearly a quarter of them increased their drop-off prices.
23rd October – Global airport industry climate action surpasses 200 airports milestone. 201 airports across world now certified at one of the 4 levels of Airport Carbon Accreditation.
30th October – AOA issues statement at its annual conference launching its vision for the Government’s new aviation strategy.  Details can be seen here.
31st October – BA boss says ‘life will go on’ following Brexit. Willie Walsh added that the EU had more to lose if Brussels refused to agree a new air deal for the UK after it leaves.
31st October – Meanwhile, Ryanair CEO says Government is underestimating Brexit risk. He says there will be serious risk of disruption to UK-EU flights if there is no timely agreement.

SASIG Library Additions   

SASIG response to DfT’s Consultation on the Proposed Approach to Developing a New UK Aviation Strategy (submitted 13th October 2017) can be seen here.