SASIG 2012/13 Meeting Dates
Friday 1 March 2013
5 – 11 January 2013 Parliamentary and Government News
Government News
The government’s mid-term review has come under fire from the Airport Operators Association for failing to mention aviation in any detail
The 46-page document makes only a single mention of aviation, despite talking in length about government plans to invest in infrastructure and modernise the UK’s transport system.
Welsh First Minister makes a statement about the nationalisation of Cardiff Airport
John Woodcock announces his resignation as shadow transport minister
Airports Commission
The Airports Commission website has been launched
London mayor Boris Johnson has launched a public consultation on the way forward for London’s airports and the capital’s aviation capacity
The Mayor of London has released a draft set of criteria that he believes would provide the fairest possible evaluation of the increasing number of plans proposed to solve the desperate need for more aviation capacity in the southeast. Londoners and members of the aviation, business and political communities are being asked what they think about the new criteria.
Around 15 different proposals have already been made public and the Mayor has made it very clear that he wishes to see the speediest possible resolution to the debate on where to build a multi runway hub airport, so that the British economy is given the best chance to prosper in the face of huge competition from its global rivals. His draft criteria have been designed to reduce the plans already suggested to a more manageable number by applying rigorous tests of their viability.
The consultation closes on 8 February 2013.
House of Commons Questions
Assessment of the effect of air passenger duty on the competitiveness of regional airports with London airports – Goldsmith, Z – 9 Jan. 2013 (see ‘Air Passenger Duty’)
Number of arrivals and departures at Heathrow Airport with London as the final destination – Goldsmith, Z – 7 Jan. 2013 (see ‘Heathrow Airport’)
Congestion premium at Heathrow Airport – Goldsmith, Z – 7 Jan. 2013 (see ‘Heathrow Airport’)
House of Lords Questions
Average percentage of total capacity used at London’s commercial airports over the past six months – Lord Spicer – 8 Jan. 2013 (see ‘ Airports Capacity’)