Editor’s Highlights
Following the revelation in April that the Government had decided to introduce a new process and timetable for drawing-up its Aviation Strategy White Paper, and with June expected to be a very busy month for aviation policy – with Government publication of a South East Airport National Policy Statement and a separate ‘making best use’ policy anticipated – and the British-Irish Airports Expo likely to attract headlines, May has been a quiet month by comparison. Most parliamentary activity was focused on debates (with Heathrow the Third Runway on 24th May the highlight) and ministerial questions foreshadowing the impending announcements before Parliament rose for the Whitsun Break. SASIG’s Secretariat is being kept in touch with DfT on timings and has been invited to three meetings of ANEG (the department’s Airspace Noise and Environment Group). We have also secured a meeting with the UK Aviation Minister on 20th June to discuss members issues and concerns.
Elsewhere the re-opening of Carlisle (Lake District) Airport to commercial flights has been delayed until September, noise regimes at Luton (night-time) and Glasgow (airspace change related) have made headlines and Brexit reports related to aviation continue to appear (see the Other Industry News section).
Monthly Highlights
- 24th May – Secretary of State made a speech to the aviation industry calling on it to ensure that the cost of expanding Heathrow is value for money and benefits passengers.
Events, Meetings and Conferences
SASIG Meetings
- 11th July 2018: SASIG full meeting/AGM followed in the afternoon by a workshop on Surface Access to Airports issues. Jointly sponsored by RABA and AOA with guest speakers from Highways England and DfT. (Venue: LGA, Smith Square, London)
- 16th November 2018: SASIG full meeting followed by an afternoon workshop on Airports, Cities & Local Economic Development (Venue: LGA, Smith Sq., London)
External Conferences
- 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.
- 14th-16th June 2018: AeroExpo UK: UK aviation festival, Wycombe Air Park.
- 26th June 2018: National Infrastructure Forum @ the Public Sector Show: Excel, London
- 3rd-5th July 2018: LGA Annual Conference & Exhibition: ICC, Birmingham.
- 10th July 2018: 1st annual (2018) UK Airport Infrastructure Development Forum: Pinsent Masons, London. Successfully delivering new infrastructure, expansion and improving connectivity at airports.
- 18th October 2018: Westminster Energy, Environment & Transport Forum: The future of UK airport capacity in the South East. Central London.
Parliamentary and Government News
(Both Houses of Parliament rose on 24th May for the Whitsun recess and will return on 4th June).
24th May – Secretary of State made a speech to Airlines UK calling for the aviation industry to ensure that the cost of expanding Heathrow is value for money and benefits passengers. Details can be seen here and the speech can be seen here.
Transport Questions: House of Commons:
17th May – Heathrow Expansion: Lakeside Energy from Waste Ltd (Windsor)
A debate about the plant’s viability and longevity if the third runway should go ahead at Heathrow can be seen here.
24th May – Heathrow: Third Runway
A debate about what estimate the Secretary of State has made of the cost to the public purse of the construction and operation of a third runway at Heathrow, can be seen here.
This was one of several debates including ones on the Strategic Road Network and the Rail Industry, under the heading of Transport.
Transport Questions: House of Lords
3rd May – Airports: Passenger assistance
A debate regarding what plans the Government may have, in consultation with the CAA, to improve the experience of passengers requiring assistance when travelling through UK airports can be seen here.
Parliamentary Questions:
Q.1. Question (140071) asked by Mrs Sheryll Murray (South East Cornwall) on 1st May 2018: “To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the importance of general aviation to the UK’s national infrastructure; and if he will make a statement”.
A. Jesse Norman on 10th May 2018: “The Government recognises the importance of the General Aviation sector and its infrastructure. To this end, the Government has appointed Byron Davies as General Aviation Champion. Mr Davies has been tasked with advising on the development of the sector, and of the role it plays within the UK’s economy and society. At the end of 2018 he will deliver a report on the state and future potential of general aviation. He is being assisted by York Aviation, which the Department has commissioned to carry out research on airfields of strategic significance. The Civil Aviation Authority has published specific guidance on how an aerodrome should seek approval for airspace changes relating to the deployment of GPS-based technologies. This guidance, which is currently under review, includes the requirement for a safety case. The review is intended to align the guidance with CAP 1616 Airspace Design: Guidance on the regulatory process for changing airspace design including community engagement requirements, which was issued in December 2017”.
Q.2. Question (140838) asked by Robert Courts (Witney) on 2nd May 2018: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when his Department last audited the Civil Aviation Authority’s airspace change process”.
A. Jesse Norman on 11th May 2018: “The UK’s independent airspace regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), is responsible for its own airspace change process. However, the CAA is required to ensure that its airspace change process is consistent with the Government’s Air Navigation Guidance and Air Navigation Directions, as updated in October 2017. Officials from the Department continue to work closely with the CAA to ensure its compliance with both the Guidance and the Directions”.
Q.3. Question (140536) asked by Dr Alan Whitehead (Southampton, Test) on 2nd May 2018: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 29 March 2018 to Question 133829 on aviation, whether he still plans to publish the Aviation Strategy in 2018”.
A. Jesse Norman on 11th May 2018: “As stated in my previous answer, the Department for Transport (DFT) will consult on the Aviation Strategy this year (2018). Following the consultation period, DfT will publish the Aviation Strategy in mid 2019”.
Q.4. Question (140868) asked by Luke Pollard (Plymouth, Sutton & Devonport) on 2nd May 2018: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the timetable is for work to (a) commence and (b) finish on the Western Rail Access to Heathrow project”.
A. Joseph Johnson on 11th May 2018: “My Department is working with Network Rail to progress the design and development of the Western Rail Link to Heathrow scheme and a final consultation on the proposed alignment will commence this month. This is a major step in the development of the scheme and is required before Network Rail can submit its application to the Planning Inspectorate for the necessary consents. The construction timetable is subject to obtaining these planning consents but an indicative timetable would see this commence during Network Rail’s Control Period 6 (the funding period 2019 to 2024)”.
Q.5. Question (140869) asked by Luke Pollard (Plymouth, Sutton & Devonport) on 2nd May 2018: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the potential economic benefit to the South West of the proposed Western Rail Access to Heathrow”.
A. Joseph Johnson on 9th May 2018: “A new Western Rail Link to Heathrow would substantially reduce rail journey times to Heathrow for passengers from the Thames Valley, South Coast, South West, South Wales and West Midlands, eliminating the need to change at London Paddington and encouraging modal shift. In addition to benefits for airport passengers and workers, the proposed link would provide a real boost to the economy, generating economic growth and new jobs across the Thames Valley and surrounding areas”.
Q.6. Question (143191) asked by Ruth Cadbury (Brentford & Isleworth) on 11th May 2018: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what meetings (a) he, (b) Ministers of his Department and (c) officials of his Department have held with Heathrow Airport Limited on the proposed north-west runway since 2 February 2017”.
A. Jesse Norman on 17th May 2018: “Ministers and officials have met regularly with Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) since 2 February 2017 to discuss a wide range of issues relating to the operation of the UK’s largest airport, as well as the potential delivery of its expansion. When Ministers and officials meet with HAL to discuss expansion, these meetings are governed by propriety arrangements set out in the Statement of Approach, which is published online:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/653867/engaging-with-stakeholders-statement-of-approach-revised-draft-airports-nps.pdf.
The Government launched a public consultation on the draft Airports NPS on 2 February 2017. This initial consultation closed on 25 May, and a further consultation on the revised draft Airports NPS was launched on 24 October 2017, closing on 19 December. A TSC report on the content of the Airports NPS was subsequently published on 23 March 2018. The Government is now in the process of considering the responses to both consultations as well as the TSC’s recommendations contained within their final report”.
Q.7. Question (141355) asked by Steve Double (St. Austell & Newquay) on 2nd May 2018: “To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the effect of air passenger duty on levels of tourism in (a) England, (b) Scotland and (c) Wales”.
A. Robert Jenrick on 15th May 2018: “International treaties ensure that there is no taxation of international aviation fuel, and the Government does not levy VAT on flights. Air Passenger Duty (APD) ensures the aviation sector contributes its fair share to general taxation. The Government has not conducted an assessment of the effect of APD on tourism in England, Scotland and Wales. However, even at the current rates of APD, UK airports have enjoyed strong passenger growth: exceeding 15% in the previous five years. The government is seeking views on the effects of APD and VAT on tourism in Northern Ireland. Respondents to the call for evidence can submit evidence on the wider impacts of APD upon UK tourism by 5 June 2018”.
Q.8. Question (145408) asked by Damien Moore (Southport) on 17th May 2018: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the UK’s regional airports have the ability to increase their capacity over the next decade”.
A. Jesse Norman on 23rd May 2018: “The UK’s airports are either owned and operated by commercial private sector companies or are public/private partnerships which operate commercially. It is for the airports’ owners and operators to make the business decisions to invest in strategies to develop their capacity. Airports that wish to invest in new infrastructure will need to submit applications to the relevant planning authority for consideration”.
Q.9. Question (145409) asked by Jo Platt (Leigh) on 17th May 2018: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate he has made of the funding that will be allocated by Greater Manchester Combined Authority to the High Speed 2 railway station at Manchester Airport”.
A. Nusrat Ghani on 22nd May 2018: “Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Manchester Airports Group and other local partners made the case for a station at the Airport, with an offer of local funding to pay for its construction. The Government continues to work collaboratively with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Manchester Airports Group on the details of reaching an agreement on a locally led funding package for the High Speed 2 station at Manchester Airport”.
Q.10. Question (146704) asked by Sir Vince Cable (Twickenham) on 22nd May 2018: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he has made an assessment of the effect of the expansion at Heathrow Airport on the (a) sustainability and (b) capacity of regional airports”.
A. Jesse Norman on 25th May 2018: “The revised draft Airports National Policy Statement on new runway capacity and infrastructure at airports in the South-East of England considers impacts of Heathrow expansion on airports across the UK. It finds that a North-West runway at Heathrow delivers the best connectivity for the UK as a whole, with regional airports expected to continue displaying strong passenger growth by 2050. The UK is one of the best connected countries in the world by air, with six airports handling more than five million passengers per annum, offering an intensive short-haul network and an increasing number of long-haul destinations. In addition almost 30 regional airports offer important direct connectivity to key business and leisure destinations. The Government is developing a new, long-term Aviation Strategy to 2050 and beyond which aims to achieve a safe, secure and sustainable aviation sector that meets the needs of consumers and of a global, outward-looking Britain. A ‘Next Steps’ document published in April, stated that the Government will consider whether our nations and regions are suitably connected by either air or surface access transport to the rest of the UK and to key overseas markets”.
Q.11. Question (146705) asked by Sir Vince Cable (Twickenham) on 22nd May 2018: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the Government has made an assessment of the potential restrictions that will be required on the expansion of regional airports in order to meet targets set in the Climate Change Act 2008 in the event that the expansion at Heathrow Airport takes place”.
A. Jesse Norman on 25th May 2018: “The Updated Appraisal Report, published alongside the revised draft Airports National Policy Statement in October 2017, sets out the carbon scenarios used by the Government to address uncertainties over the future policy treatment of international aviation emissions. It confirms that expansion via a Northwest Runway at Heathrow Airport can be delivered within the UK’s carbon obligations under the Climate Change Act 2008. The Government considers that growth in the aviation sector, including at regional airports, is compatible with the UK’s climate change obligations. Even in a scenario where aviation carbon emissions are capped to the Committee on Climate Change’s planning assumption of 37.5 MtCO2, the analysis showed that passenger numbers would continue to grow at regional airports. The Government will continue to develop policy relating to carbon emissions from aviation as part of the new Aviation Strategy”.
Q.12. Question (146706) asked by Sir Vince Cable (Twickenham) on 22nd May 2018: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the costs and benefits to (a) the public purse and (b) passengers of the expansion of regional airports”.
A. Jesse Norman on 25th May 2018: (See answer grouped with Q’s 146704 and 146710)
Q.13. Question (146707) asked by Sir Vince Cable (Twickenham) on 22nd May 2018: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans he has to develop the Government’s methods of assessment of the environmental impacts of airport expansion”.
A. Jesse Norman on 25th May 2018: “The Department for Transport has prepared an Appraisal of Sustainability (AoS) to support the development of the Airports NPS and assess the environmental impacts of airport expansion. The AOS has been developed by external expert consultants, with advice of specialists from across Government and, where appropriate, in line with the Department’s published Transport Appraisal Guidance (Web-TAG). The Government has consulted on the AoS twice, most recently between October and December 2017, and is considering comments on the appraisal methods and appraisal results raised in consultation responses. The AoS will be updated, if required, prior to laying any final proposed Airports NPS in Parliament. Web-TAG is kept under periodic review”.
Q.14. Question (146708) asked by Sir Vince Cable (Twickenham) on 22nd May 2018: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimates he has made of the level of financial support from the public purse that would be necessary to facilitate the construction of a third runway at Heathrow Airport”.
A. Jesse Norman on 25th May 2018: “The Government has always been clear that any scheme for additional airport capacity should be financed by the private sector. The Airports Commission concluded that all three of its shortlisted schemes were financeable without public support. As set out in the revised draft Airports National Policy Statement, independent financial advisers have undertaken further work for the Government, and agree that all three schemes are financeable without on that basis. Heathrow Airport Limited would also pay in full the cost of any surface access required for airport expansion. Where there is a surface access scheme that is not solely required to deliver airport capacity and that has a wider range of beneficiaries the Government, along with relevant stakeholders, will consider the need for a public contribution alongside an appropriate contribution from the airport on a case-by-case basis”.
Q.15. Question (146709) asked by Sir Vince Cable (Twickenham) on 22nd May 2018: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made on the effect of the development of aircraft technology on the future role of hub airports”.
A. Jesse Norman on 25th May 2018: “The Department recognises that emerging technologies such as electric aircraft and automation have the potential to benefit passengers and the UK’s transport market; for example, by providing new options for how passengers or goods travel between our cities and regions. This could have an impact on how the UK’s airport network is used, potentially improving how we use our airports and our transport networks. As part of the Government’s developing Aviation Strategy, we continue to engage with the aviation industry throughout the strategy process to understand the specific effects on airports”.
Q.16. Question (146710) asked by Sir Vince Cable (Twickenham) on 22nd May 2018: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the financial benefit to the public purse of an increase in long-haul aviation traffic from regional airports”.
A. Jesse Norman on 25th May 2018: (See answer grouped with Q’s 146704 and 146706)
Q.17. Question (146713) asked by Sir Vince Cable (Twickenham) on 22nd May 2018: “To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what funding from the public purse he plans to provide to Heathrow Airport to facilitate the delivery of a third runway and associated infrastructure”.
A. Jesse Norman on 25th May 2018: (See answer grouped with Q. 146708)
Q.18. Question (146073) asked by Sir Vince Cable (Twickenham) on 21st May 2018: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the effect of changes in the rate of landing charges on the business case for the expansion at Heathrow Airport”.
A. Jesse Norman on 29th May 2018: “The Airports Commission found that despite an increase in airport charges, fares paid by passengers could remain level or even fall due to the benefits of expansion. In 2016 the Secretary of State set out his ambition for airlines and Heathrow to work together to develop solutions for expansion which keep airport charges close to current levels. In April 2018, the Civil Aviation Authority published their latest consultation on ‘the economic regulation of capacity expansion at Heathrow’ which concludes that ‘there are credible scenarios in which capacity expansion can be delivered affordably and financeably, with airport charges per passenger remaining close to current levels in real terms and line with the ambition expressed by the SoS on these matters in 2016’. The Government has been clear that increases in airport capacity must be funded by the private sector”. (n.b. This response also grouped with Q.20 – 146074)
Q.19. Question (146074) asked by Sir Vince Cable (Twickenham) on 21st May 2018: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the effect of changes in the rate of landing charges at Heathrow Airport on (a) passengers, (b) airlines and (c) the public purse”.
A. Jesse Norman on 29th May 2018: (See response to Q. 19)
National and Regional News
1st May – Zipcar launches Heathrow one-way service. The car-sharing firm has launched a pilot scheme allowing members to make a one-way journey to or from T5 Heathrow Airport.
2nd May – The PM has welcomed the return of flights from Carlisle Airport. Mrs May made the remark in response to Carlisle MP John Stevenson in the House of Commons.
2nd May – An article in anna.aero on how certain UK regional airports may reconnect with Heathrow after expansion can be seen here.
2nd May – The first 8 of 30 new hi-tec check-in desks are opened at Stansted. They form part of the airport’s £600 million transformation project.
4th May – Views are being sought by Network Rail on rail links to Heathrow from the west. Consultation runs from 11th May to 22nd June.
5th May – Luton Airport puts aircraft noise restrictions in place. They will refuse any ad-hoc flights during the night between 1st June and 30th September.
8th May – Jaguar to supply 200 electric vehicles for chauffeur service at Heathrow Airport. It will support Heathrow’s commitment to improving air quality around the airport.
8th May – Union leaders back Heathrow third runway. Bosses from Unite, the GMB, TUC, Community and BALPA signed an open letter urging MPs to back expansion.
8th May – Heathrow’s £900m rail link gears up for bids. The DfT has published a prior information notice for companies to deliver two construction packages to make up the proposed Western rail link to the airport.
8th May – Manston Airport: RiverOak temporarily withdraws its application. This is apparently down to a minor issue that needs clarification.
10th May – Southend Airport could be the answer to Heathrow 3rd runway delays. Owners Stobart say airlines are beginning to view them as a good overflow airport.
10th May – Newcastle Airport launches its Masterplan 2035. Its CE says in the years to come, the connectivity it provides will be even more important.
14th May – Talks are set to take place today about a new Heathrow line. They’ll be between DfT and several bidders interested in building a new railway to Heathrow Airport.
14th May – Tees Valley Mayor announces ‘advanced’ airport talks. He says it’s a major step forward to cement the long-term future of Durham Tees Valley Airport.
16th May – Bristol Airport publishes ‘Towards 2050’ which includes a Charter for Future Growth in five key areas: aviation, economic impact, Green Belt, sustainable growth and surface access. Further information can be seen here.
17th May – Bristol Airport in talks with over direct rail link with Taunton. Airport bosses say it is the only top ten UK airport without motorway, dual carriageway or direct rail access.
21st May – £800,000 Stansted cycle path upgrade opens. It’s part of Highways England maintenance over the past year and links part of Essex communities with the airport.
21st May – A new bus service will link rural communities with Bristol Airport. However it will not be running on Saturdays and Sundays.
22nd May – Company offers new m-tickets to Newcastle Airport. Two transport providers have joined forces to offer this facility.
24th May – Subsidized air route between Manchester and Cardiff could happen. The Welsh Government is working with the EC and UK Government on new aviation PSOs routes.
24th May – Heathrow Hub is making formal complaint. The rival plan to proposed 3rd runway is formally complaining to the Competition & Markets Authority about the behaviour of the airport.
24th May – New East Midlands Airport boss wants better rail links. She wants to make more of the underused East Midlands Parkway railway station and is lobbying the DfT.
24th May – Secretary of State’s speech to aviation industry calling on it to ensure that the cost of expanding Heathrow is value for money and benefits passengers can be seen here.
28th May – Stansted could quadruple its long-haul flights because of Heathrow expansion delay. It is already expanding its long-haul services.
29th May – An article in ‘In Cumbria’ titled ‘Meet the woman who has spearheaded the opening of Carlisle Lake District Airport’ can be seen here.
29th May – Link road to Cardiff Airport is challenged. A new road designed to improve transport links to Cardiff Airport would scar the capital’s “green lung”, say campaigners.
30th May – An Anna Aero article saying Heathrow connects to fewer Latin American country markets and individual destinations than other major European hubs can be seen here.
30th May – A new railway station connecting East Coast Main line to Doncaster Airport would be ‘truly game-changing’. This was from the new Mayor of Sheffield City Region.
31st May – Carlisle Airport apologises for delay in opening. It should have reopened next month but due to a shortage of Air Traffic controllers it will now re-open on 3rd September.
31st May – Article in ‘Get West London’ about man who lives nearer to Heathrow than anyone else and who claims it is not that noisy, can be seen here.
Other Aviation Industry News
2nd May – Consultation on Penzance Heliport restarts. Cornwall Council’s restarted the consultation after Penzance Heliport Ltd submitted extra information supporting the application.
3rd May – New ACI study shows airfares are not determined by airport charges. The study is titled ‘Identifying the Drivers of Air Fares’.
4th May – BA’s owner IAG reports a 75% jump in profits in the first 3 months of the year. But it has said very little on its potential takeover of the airline Norwegian.
8th May – Network Rail seeks more views on Heathrow rail link. The consultation will run from 11th May to 22nd June.
13th May – Glasgow Airport to aid noise reductions methods. Airport is will pay out millions of pounds to sound proof hundreds homes near its runway.
16th May – Flybe to downsize its fleet as part of profit drive. It will trim its fleet to around 70 aircraft by early 2020 from a peak of 85 this time last year.
16th May – BACA says air-freight traffic is hit by noise-related restrictions through London airports. It wants a “more pragmatic approach” towards overnight airport operations.
16th May – New report says airports are getting more prone to cyber-attacks. It claims airports are lucrative targets as they increasingly go ahead with digital transformation plans.
17th May – Glasgow Airport appoints new MD. Current Operations Director, Mark Johnston will take up the position from June 1st.
21st May – Ryanair boss issues another dire Brexit warning. He says flights could be grounded if the UK does not secure a deal before leaving the EU.
21st May – New M.D. appointed at bmi airline. Tim Shattock will be based at bmi’s East Midlands HQ as part of a restructured executive team.
21st May – At Southampton Airport, Neil Garwood has been appointed as their M.D. He will take up his position on June 1st.
28th May – Business leaders urge Heathrow vote. A number of business lobby groups have signed a letter saying the PM needs to take action on proposed third runway at the airport.
28th May – Irish regional airports to share €3.85 in state funding. Donegal, Kerry and Knock airports are to use money to boost safety and security.
29th May – New UK-US ‘Open Skies’ deal imminent. The UK is apparently close to agreeing a new “open skies” agreement with the US to ensure flights can continue post-Brexit.
30th May – New legislation introduced regarding the use of drones near airports. New rules will ban drones from flying above 400 feet and within one kilometre of airport boundaries.
30th May – Aviation Minister told of concerns about flight path changes at Glasgow Airport. Concerns raised in meeting with Baroness Sugg by East Renfrewshire’s MP Paul Masterton.
31st May – Global passenger demand air traffic rose in April. However IATA Director-General has cautioned that profits in the industry are unlikely to reach forecast levels.
SASIG Library Additions
A consultation programme and summary of key milestones for SASIG can be seen here.