Editor’s Highlights
A short month ends with the Beast from the East whistling-in from Siberia to bring actual temperatures in line with those of diplomatic relations between London and Brussels over Brexit, and some significant travel disruption at many airports (although not the same chaos seen on roads and rail). Moreover, February did manage to give rise to a number of notable highlights:
- The TSC scrutinising the draft National Policy Statement on Airports;
- A 43mppa application from MAG at Stansted (which unlike LHR R3 falls outside the remit of the policy document);
- Ryanair announcing the closure of its Glasgow base because the Scottish Government has not met its commitments to reduce APD; and of course, most importantly of all
- A full SASIG meeting on 16th February, followed by a workshop on ‘consultations’, back at our familiar home at the LGA’s refurbished offices at St John’s Smith Square.
Expected in March: TSC’s report based on its review of the NPS, DfT’s response to the Aviation Strategy scoping consultation, and an accompanying policy statement on making maximum use of existing airport capacity.
Monthly Highlights
7th February – Transport Committee, House of Commons: Oral evidence: Airports National Policy Statement. Details published on 8th February can be seen here.
19th February – Final session of the Transport Committee’s inquiry into the Airports National Policy Statement (NPS). Details published on 20th February can be seen here.
22nd February – Stansted Airport submits plans to Uttlesford DC. They want to raise the current cap on the number of passengers it is permitted to serve from 35m to 43m per year.
Events, Meetings and Conferences
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
SASIG Meetings
– 11th July 2018: SASIG full meeting/AGM (Venue: LGA, Smith Square, London)
– 16th November 2018: SASIG full meeting (Venue: LGA, Smith Square, London)
External Conferences
– 12th April 2018: Priorities for airport development beyond the South-east: Westminster Energy, Environment and Transport Forum, Central Manchester.
– 22nd-24th April 2018: Routes Europe, Bilbao, Spain
– 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 and Baroness Sugg, Aviation Minister will open the exhibition.
Parliamentary and Government News
Both Houses rose on the 8th February for February half-term and returned on 20th February.
7th February – Transport Committee, House of Commons: Oral evidence: Airports National Policy Statement. Details published on 8th February can be seen here.
19th February – Final session of the Transport Committee’s inquiry into the Airports National Policy Statement (NPS). Details published on 20th February can be seen here.
Transport Questions: House of Commons:
27th February: Department for Transport: A debate regarding DfT finance but which also included other topics such as inequalities in regional transport and Heathrow expansion can be seen here. Minister of State, DfT, Joseph Johnson attended.
Parliamentary Questions:
Q.1. Question (126125) asked by Alex Sobel (Leeds North West) on 1st February 2018: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to support the aviation industry in reducing carbon emissions as that sector expands”.
A. Jesse Norman on 9th February 2018: “Given the international nature of the aviation sector, the Government’s emphasis has been on taking action at the global level as the best means of addressing carbon emissions from aviation. In 2016, the UK was instrumental in reaching a ground-breaking international agreement through the International Civil Aviation Organisation, aimed at decoupling growth in flights from growth in emissions by achieving carbon neutral growth in the sector from 2020. However, the Government has also encouraged other measures to reduce aviation emissions, including VIA the use of biofuels, airspace reform and improvements in aerospace technology. The Government intends to make aviation biofuels eligible for certificates under the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation. This will help increase the use of renewable fuels in a sector that remains likely to require liquid fuels over the long term. Through the Future Fuels for Flight and Freight Competition, the Government has made £22 million matched capital funding available to support the production of low carbon fuels for aviation and heavy good vehicles. The Government will set out its strategic approach to the aviation sector in a series of consultations leading to the publication of a new Aviation Strategy for the UK in 2019. The Strategy will consider what the best approach and combination of policy measures are at the international and domestic levels to ensure we effectively address carbon emissions from aviation”.
Q.2. Question (HL5332) asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark on 1st February 2018: “To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the benefits to airports of having express-style railway services”.
A. Baroness Sugg on 13th February 2018: “High quality, efficient and reliable road and rail access to airports contributes greatly to the experience of passengers, freight operators and airport employees. Airport access needs to accommodate a range of different consumers and the transport links available are likely to influence passenger behaviour. As part of the government’s aviation strategy, we will be looking at a range of elements including surface access and considering how co-ordination between government processes for transport access improvements and airport plans may be improved”.
Q.3. Question (126277) asked by Andy McDonald (Middlesborough) on 1st February 2018: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions his Department has had with Transport for London on the surface access requirements required for Heathrow Airport expansion; and if he will make a statement”.
A. Jesse Norman on 6th February 2018: “Officials from my Department meet regularly with Transport for London to discuss airport expansion related surface access issues”.
Q.4. Question (126278) asked by Andy McDonald (Middlesborough) on 1st February 2018: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment his Department has made of the surface access requirements required for Gatwick Airport expansion; and if he will make a statement”.
A. Jesse Norman on 6th February 2018: “An assessment of the surface access requirements for Gatwick Airport was carried out by the Airports Commission and published in their final report (July 2015) which is available on-line. Since that assessment was carried out plans have progressed significantly for improvements to the station at Gatwick Airport and proposed improvements to the Brighton Main Line are being taken forward by Network Rail”.
Q.5. Question (127143) asked by Jim Shannon (Strangford) on 7th February 2018: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions his Department has had with the management Heathrow Airport on the planned length of the third runway there”.
A. Jesse Norman on 21st February 2018: “As set out in the Statement of Approach on the revised draft Airports National Policy Statement (NPS), the Department cannot discuss the merits or contents of the NPS. The Department is currently considering responses to the consultations held on the draft and revised draft Airports NPS”.
Q.6. Question (HL5330) asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark on 1st February 2018: “To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the case for more trains to stop at Luton Airport Parkway each day”.
A. Baroness Sugg on 13th February 2018: “The Government and rail industry are investing in the biggest improvement in rail travel since the Victorian era, including through the upgrade of the Midland Main Line. This programme will improve rail journeys for passengers using the Midland Main Line to travel into London St Pancras. Once electrification of the Midland Main Line to Corby is complete in 2020, passengers at Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough, Bedford, Luton and Luton Airport Parkway will benefit from a new, dedicated, fast commuter service into London St Pancras. The electric trains will be longer, with more seats. We are also considering the case for additional services to Luton Airport Parkway and have been working collaboratively with Luton Airport to understand their proposals. Any outcome will seek to secure the best value for money for the taxpayer, be in the best interests of rail passengers. All options for rail services in the next East Midlands rail franchise are subject to analysis of the potential benefits and our consultation with stakeholders, which closed on 11 October 2017. Thus, no decisions have been made on rail services that will be specified for the next franchise. The next franchise is planned to start in August 2019. Invitations to Tender are due to be issued to potential bidders later this year. The ITT will set out the minimum requirements and provide the baseline that we expect the next franchise to build on”.
Q.7. Question (128710) asked by Justine Greening on 20th February 2018: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will estimate the proportionate increase in airfield crash risk within a 10km radius of Heathrow under the Heathrow north west runway expansion proposal consulted on in the draft National Policy Statement”.
A. Jesse Norman on 23rd February 2018: “The revised draft Airports National Policy Statement is clear that any potential scheme at Heathrow must comply with the UK’s civil aviation safety regime, regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). A detailed safety assessment will be required as part of the CAA’s airspace change process. This assessment includes the air traffic safety risks associated with the proposed airspace design and whether the level of air traffic control resource and infrastructure is appropriate to support the change safely. The Airports Commission did however consider safety as part of their analysis. They asked the Health and Safety Laboratory to conduct analysis of the scale of increase in crash risk associated with the three shortlisted schemes. The Health and Safety Laboratory’s report can be found here:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/airports-commission-final-report-operational-efficiency
Q.8. Question (128343) asked by Justine Greening on 19th February 2018: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate he has made of the number of people who live within 10km of Heathrow Airport”.
A. Jesse Norman on 22nd February 2018: “The Department has made no specific assessment of the number of people living within 10 km of the airport. However, the Department has carried out and published an Appraisal of Sustainability to support the development of the draft Airports National Policy Statement. This assesses the baseline population affected by Heathrow airport in different ways and with respect to a number of different impacts”.
Q.9. Question (128726) asked by Justine Greening on 20th February 2018: “To ask the Secretary of State Transport, on what dates (a) he and (b) his Department have met (i) representatives of Lakeside Energy waste facility and (ii) local authorities regarding the relocation of that facility as a result of the draft National Policy Statement proposal for Heathrow Airport expansion”.
A. Jesse Norman on 23rd February 2018: “The Transport Minister for Aviation met with local authorities from the Heathrow area on 1st November 2016. This was to discuss the process of publicising the proposed Airport National Policy Statement. The Lakeside Energy from Waste plant was raised and the local authorities in attendance were advised we would welcome views as part of any future consultation. No Ministerial meetings have been held between Ministers and local authorities to discuss the potential relocation of Lakeside Energy from Waste facility. On the 17th February 2017 officials from the Department met with representatives of Lakeside Energy from Waste facility at their request, together with other interested commercial stakeholders to give an overview of the National Policy Statement process. Discussions relating to expansion have taken place in observance of the principles set out in the government’s published Statement of Approach which prevents the Department from entertaining private representations about the content of draft / revised draft Airports NPS(s) while policy is under development.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statement-of-approach-for-the-revised-draft-airports-national-policy-statement
Q.10. Question (128716) asked by Justine Greening on 20th February 2018: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate he has made of the reduction in total emissions of nitrogen oxides from ground-based sources associated with Heathrow Airport between 2008-9 and 2012-13”.
A. Jesse Norman on 27th February 2018: “The government has not made an estimate. However, Table E1 of Ricardo-AEA Ltd’s report “Heathrow Airport 2013 Air Quality Assessment” commissioned by Heathrow Airport shows that emission rates of nitrogen oxides from airport and non-airport sources declined over the period 2008/9 to 2013. The report is available at http://www.heathrowairwatch.org.uk/reports”
Government News
National and Regional News
1st February – London City Airport is getting an upgraded ATC tower. It’ll be 80 miles away from the airport and ATC crews will have a remote view using 14 hi-definition cameras.
2nd February – Stormont’s former Environment Department censured over late-night flights at Belfast City Airport. NIPSO calls for its replacement to apologise and pay nearby residents.
5th February – BA owner IAG want break of up ‘Heathrow’s monopoly’. They have submitted a proposal to CAA to allow third parties to run terminals at the airport.
7th February – Manchester Airport not happy with Heathrow‘s claim. Heathrow’s CE says people living in Greater Manchester need Heathrow to sustain business links with the world.
7th February – An article in Anna Aero looking at which UK airports could suffer the largest impact to their networks if the UK loses its access to the European Single Aviation Market can be seen here.
7th February – Exeter Airport exceeds 900,000 passenger mark in 2017. This is a 7.2% increase over 2016.
8th February – £15 million facelift announced for Belfast Airport. It will include a major upgrade of its departure lounge, central security area and hold baggage screening facilities.
8th February – Landing charges at an expanded Heathrow could be capped says Transport Secretary. He was speaking at a Transport Select Committee hearing.
9th February – Heathrow starts nationwide tour of sites bidding to build new runway. There are 65 sites still in the running to be the off-site construction centres for Heathrow expansion.
9th February – New CEO appointed at Bristol Airport. Dave Lees, currently Managing Director of Southampton Airport, will be taking up his new role on 1st August this year.
12th February – Work begins on modernisation programme at Stansted Airport. There will be extra check-in desks, extra seating and restaurants and additional car and aircraft parking.
13th February – Airport argument delays Tees Valley’s budget-setting process. There’s disagreement over how £500,000 should be spent in relation to Durham Tees Valley Airport.
14th February – Blackpool South MP welcomes Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone changes. He says that people’s comments were heeded by both Blackpool and Fylde Councils.
14th February – Manchester Airport relief road opening delayed again. The 10km bypass, designed to ease congestion to the airport will now open ‘in late summer 2018.
16th February – TfL may join legal challenge against Heathrow runway expansion. This is due to a lack of clarity on surface transport issues.
16th February – Durham Tees Valley Airport is to scrap flights to Aberdeen. Airport’s owner Peel is also at loggerheads with Tees Valley mayor over airport funding.
19th February – IAG calls for CAA to have control over Heathrow expansion costs. IAG’s C.E. will stress their concern when he addresses the Transport Select Committee tomorrow.
20th February – East of England will benefit from Stansted long-haul flights. Local travel firm says more capacity out of Stansted means more demand for local taxis and coach firms.
20th February – Heathrow’s ‘respite’ study: some conclusions. The report was actually finished in May last year but has only just been published.
21st February – Heathrow Chairman’s take on the airport’s expansion. He was speaking ahead of TSC enquiry on the Airports NPS.
22nd February – Stansted Airport submits plans to Uttlesford DC. They want to raise the current cap on the number of passengers it is permitted to serve from 35m to 43m per year.
22nd February – Heathrow calls on Government for expansion vote now. Wants third runway approved before the summer this year.
23rd February – Newcastle Airport becomes a Northern Powerhouse partner. The latest statistics show the airport has enjoyed its best start to a year since 2008.
23rd February – East Midlands Airport agrees to renew transport improvement commitment. It’s renewed its MOU with the Midlands Connect Partnership.
26th February – 1st phase of Manchester Airport expansion is completed. Focus is now shifting to the construction of the Terminal Two extension and multi-storey car park.
27th February – Heathrow Express is not concerned over Crossrail arrival. Its sales and distribution manager said it would focus its efforts on the needs of business travellers.
28th February – Deal agreed for new deck at London City Airport. It’s first part of their £480m development programme and will support 8 aircraft stands, a parallel taxiway and an extension to the passenger terminal.
Other Aviation Industry News
1st February – Ryanair is to include a “Brexit clause” in bookings for summer 2019. Tickets may not be valid if the UK and EU don’t reach an alternative aviation deal before Brexit.
5th February – Flybe claims top spot for noise and emissions performance at Heathrow. Last summer they were in 29th place.
5th February – Ryanair says ‘time is running out’ on Brexit. It’s, once more, warning of “serious disruption” to flights between the UK and EU unless a transition deal is agreed.
7th February – IATA against overspending on airport projects like Heathrow’s third runway. Says if it is not checked, airlines would have to pass more cost onto their passengers.
8th February – RAF Brize Norton proposes air space changes. This would also benefit other aircraft which transit their airspace which is some of the busiest and complex in the UK.
13th February – Biz jets encouraged at Cranfield Airport. Cranfield Airport is planning to develop its facilities for business aviation and re-name itself London Cranfield Airport.
13th February – Biggin Hill raises landing fees to deter circuit training. A 23% rise in business jet traffic has resulted in conflicts with piston-engined trainers in the circuit.
16th February – EASA publishes the 2018-2022 European Plan for Aviation Safety.
22nd February – Glasgow Airport to host drop-in sessions over noise plans. It’s currently in the midst of a 13-week consultation on the plan along with a bid to change their airspace.
23rd February – Jobs at risk after HIAL announce they will centralise ATC. Chairman of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee is worried about effect on the local economy.
27th February – Ryanair will close its base in Glasgow. It’s blamed the change on the cost of air passenger duty and up to 300 jobs could go.
27th February – IATA calls for more sustainable fuel flights. It aims for 1 billion passengers to travel on flights powered by a mix of jet fuel and sustainable aviation fuel by 2025.
28th February – Trade body offers airlines Brexit advice. In a report out today, the European Regions Airline Association has provided guidance for different Brexit scenarios.
28th February – Glasgow Airport demands Government support following Ryanair pull-out. It’s concerned Government ownership of Prestwick could be adversely affecting Glasgow.
SASIG Library Additions
An updated consultation programme and summary of key milestones for SASIG can be seen here.
Information regarding the General Aviation initiative in the UK including the setting up of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for General Aviation and the appointment of the Government’s first-ever GA champion, Byron Davies, can be seen here.
At the SASIG meeting held on 16th February, guest speaker Shamal Ratnayaka, Aviation Strategy Lead at Transport for London gave a presentation titled “An Aviation Policy for London”, which can be seen here.