Editor’s Highlights  

After the wait, what we got was a ‘damp squib’. It is very hard to characterise DfT’s response to their 2017 Aviation Strategy consultation titled poetically ‘Beyond the Horizon’, as anything else especially as it was slipped out quietly on a Saturday morning while Parliament was in recess! Instead of a fulsome summary of the 100 submissions they received, clearly flagged issues and priorities and a detailed programme for the remainder of the policy process, what we got was a two-page summary of responses (see Annex B), a document which said little that was new (where was the much-trumpeted statement on ‘making best use’) and yet another change of process and timetable – the fourth since the Davies Commission.

To sceptics who are convinced Chris Grayling is only interested in Brexit, aviation issues in London and the South East and General Aviation, this volte face was a vindication and vague promises of a “period of engagement” followed by a consultation on what would now be a single Green Paper (not three or six topic papers as previously promised) do not provide much succour to the resultant industry scepticism.

What it does mean is that SASIG must now move from responsive to pro-active mode and instead of relying on critiques of Government thinking to exert influence on the policy making process, the priority must instead be to generate a set of position papers on key issues of concern to members. With the timeframe for the publication of the Aviation having also been shortened, the next 12 months will inevitably be even busier for SASIG than previously assumed. The Secretariat are developing a programme of work and engagement to reflect this and the Chairman has written to the Aviation Minister seeking a meeting to discuss our plans and concerns.

But on a positive note, SASIG’s new website went live. Please take a look around – feedback is welcome.

Chris Cain,

SASIG Secretariat

Monthly Highlights

7th April – Government published its response to the Aviation Strategy calls for evidence.

9th April – SASIG’s new website went ‘live’!

External Conferences

–           14th-16th May 2018: 11th ACI Europe Regional Airports Conference & Exhibition: Naples, Italy.

–           27th-31st May 2018: EURONOISE 2018 Conference: Heraklion, Crete.

–           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: The UK’s festival of aviation at Wycombe           Air Park.

–           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 rose on 29th March for Easter recess and returned on 16th April).

7th April – Government published its response to the Aviation Strategy calls for evidence. Further information can be seen here.

Transport Questions: House of Commons:

19th April – Aircraft Noise: Heathrow
A debate about what plans the Department of Transport has to reduce the number of people affected by aircraft noise near Heathrow airport, can be seen here.

19th April – Leaving the EU: Aviation Industry
Questions were asked about what discussions the Secretary of State for Transport has had with Cabinet colleagues on the future of the aviation industry after the UK leaves the EU. That debate can be seen here.

Transport Questions: House of Lords

There were no Transport Questions in the House of Lords this month.

Parliamentary Questions:

Q.1. Question (135538) asked by Andrew Brigden (Northwest Leicestershire) on 13th April 2018: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of increasing the number of stopping services at East Midlands Parkway to support the growth of (a) the East Midlands Airport and (b) the economy in that region; and if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of specifying an increase in the number of stopping services at that station in the upcoming tender for that franchise in order to better serve passengers using East Midlands Airport”.

  1. Joseph Johnson on 23rd April 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. In developing the specification for the next East Midlands franchise it is important that airport passenger services are properly considered. We are considering options for future rail services to and from East Midlands Parkway and my Department has engaged with East Midlands Airport to understand their proposals. In our public consultation, held last summer, we asked stakeholders how the train service could be better at meeting the needs of passengers travelling to and from airports within the East Midlands. The consultation closed on 11 October 2017. All options for rail services in the next franchise are subject to analysis of the potential benefits and the outcome of our consultation with stakeholders. Thus, no decisions have been made on rail services that will be specified for the next franchise. Any outcome will seek to secure the best value for money for the taxpayer and be in the best interests of rail passengers. The next franchise is planned to start in August 2019. Invitations to Tender (ITT) 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.2. Question (135799) asked by Paul Blomfield (Sheffield Central) on 13th April 2018: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the UK will remain a member of the European Aviation Safety Agency during the implementation period after the UK leaves the EU”.

  1. Chris Grayling on 23rd April 2018: “During the time-limited implementation period, the UK will no longer be an EU Member State. However, as set out in the terms of the agreement, common rules will remain in place. The EASA basic regulation will therefore continue to apply, so all UK-issued certificates, approvals and licences will be automatically recognised as valid in the EASA system (and vice versa).”

Q.3. Question (136092) asked by Tom Brake (Carshalton & Wallington) on 17th April 2018: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of establishing a new UK civil aviation system after the UK leaves the EU”.

  1. Chris Grayling on 26th April 2018: “During the time-limited implementation period, the UK will no longer be an EU Member State. However, as set out in the terms of the agreement, common rules will remain in place. The EASA basic regulation will therefore continue to apply, so all UK-issued certificates, approvals and licences will be automatically recognised as valid in the EASA system (and vice versa). As the Prime Minister made clear in her speech last month, beyond the implementation period we will want to explore with the EU the terms on which we could remain part of the relevant agencies, such as EASA. This will form part of the negotiations with the EU and Member States on how best to continue cooperation in the field of aviation safety and standards post-exit”.

Q.4. Question (135950) asked by Daniel Zeichner (Cambridge) on 16th April 2018: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department has plans to allocate additional resources for the expansion of surface access to regional airports, including (a) Stansted and (b) Luton”.

  1. Jesse Norman on 24th April 2018: “Airports should pay the costs of upgrading or enhancing surface access links where there is a need to cope with additional passengers. Where the scheme has wider range of beneficiaries, the Government will consider the need for additional public funding on a case-by-case basis. The Government has set out that in developing a new Aviation Strategy, it will review how road and rail links to airports are planned”.

Q.5. Question (135951) asked by Daniel Zeichner (Cambridge) on 16th April 2018: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment has he made of the effectiveness of the use of airport capacity at regional airports”.

  1. Jesse Norman on 24th April 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 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. The Government is also 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”.
    Q.6. Question (136644) asked by Tom Brake (Carshalton & Wallington) on 19th April 2018: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking as a result of the statement by Andrew Haines, the Chief Executive of the Civil Aviation Authority that the UK should remain in the European Aviation Safety Authority as full members”.
  2. Chris Grayling on 26th April 2018: “I refer the Right Honourable Member to my answer of 25 April 2018 (UIN 136092 – see Q3 above).”

Q.7. Question (136204) asked by John Redwood (Wokingham) on 17th April 2018: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department has taken to ensure the maintenance of commercial air services after 30 March 2019 in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a Withdrawal and Future Partnership Agreement”.
A. Chris Grayling on 25th April 2018: “The importance of air services to the UK economy is recognised across Government and we are working closely with the aviation sector to ensure its ongoing success. This includes through securing a good deal with the EU and third countries where air services are currently governed by EU agreements. We are also, as a matter of common sense, working on alternatives to a negotiated agreement, to ensure that no matter the outcome flights will continue”.

Q.8. Question (136456 group with 136692) asked by Nigel Dodds (Belfast North) on 18th April 2018: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions he has had with the relevant EU authorities on ensuring reciprocity of air traffic management systems with the EU after the UK leaves the EU”.

  1. Chris Grayling on 25th April 2018: “The Government ‎recognises the need for UK air traffic management arrangements to remain interoperable with those of the rest of Europe. Safe and efficient air traffic management remains a high priority for Government. The Government is considering carefully all the potential implications arising for our aviation industry from the UK’s exit from the EU, including the implications for air traffic management. We have not yet commenced negotiations with the EU on transport, but we are prepared for when they do start”.

National and Regional News

3rd April Campaign Group CAGNE writes to Chief Medical Officer requesting research on night flights at Heathrow. They are concerned about the true cost of health to residents.

3rd AprilAir Traffic Control change will cause disruption. People living near Heathrow Airport can expect extra flights early in the morning and late at night for next few weeks.

4th AprilHeathrow appoints new Chair of their Community Engagement Board. The HCEB is the successor body to the Heathrow Airport Consultative Committee.

5th April – South-east London has seen ‘significant’ increase in concentration of flights since 2011. Heathrow pressure group, HACAN, released new report this week.

10th AprilFOI request reveals CAA data results regarding noise at Heathrow. The noise data is contained in the CAA’s economic analysis.

10th AprilLondon City Airport chief confident a Brexit deal will be done. He believes a deal will be reached by March 2019.

11th AprilProposals unveiled to upgrade Gatwick Airport station. They aim to reduce crowding, improve passenger flow and provide better connections to airport terminals.

11th AprilNorwich City Airport boss welcomes new aviation strategy proposals. He says its aims to help regions to “fulfil their potential” would be good for the city.

11th AprilNorthern airports join forces to endorse Northern Transport Plan. The 30 year plan is the first of its kind and outlines how transport connections need to be transformed to drive growth and close the economic gap between the North and the rest of England.

12th AprilOne person lodged over 1,280 noise complaints with Heathrow in last 3 months. New figures for the 1st quarter show the number of noise complaints has dropped.

16th AprilGatwick shareholder considers selling its stake. It’s reported Global Infrastructure Partners is “debating the future” of its holding, potentially worth £10 billion.

16th AprilHeathrow’s 3rd runway risks housing crisis for 2,100 people. They would need re-housing by London Borough of Hillingdon according to calculations by Heathrow Hub.

16th AprilSpelthorne has demands for Heathrow to agree to before expansion. The council published what it describes as a “list of requirements” it will seek assurances on.

18th AprilWork begins on Luton Airport’s £225m ‘automated people mover’.

Linking Luton Airport Parkway railway station to the airport in under 4 minutes, the 2.1km route will run between two purpose-built stations.

22nd AprilSlough BC wants assurances from Heathrow. Council leader said he’s reached an agreement with Heathrow that they’ll ‘review alternatives’ to current proposals for Colnbrook.

22nd AprilUttlesford Lib Dems unhappy about Stansted plans. They’re worried it will ‘ambush local communities and residents’ with its aim to become UK’s 2nd biggest airport.

23rd AprilCarlisle Airport to offer free parking when flights take off on June 4th. Daily flights to London Southend, Dublin and Belfast City airports will begin then.
24th AprilAustralian investor buy 49% of Luton Airport. AMP Capital already owns Leeds Bradford Airport and is an investor in Newcastle airport.
24th AprilDeal agreed to kick-start £180m hotel district at Airport City Manchester. Hotels will be located immediately adjacent to Terminal 2 at Manchester Airport.
25th AprilEast Midlands Airport plans for future expansion and new destinations. An interview in the Nottingham Post with airport boss Andy Cliffe can be seen here.
27th AprilHeathrow urges businesses to bid for expansion work. Businesses will be told shortly how to register interest and details of the eligibility criteria will be posted online.
27th AprilDocuments about sale of Durham Tees Valley Airport to be made public. Operator worried it may affect viability of their expansion plans.
30th AprilHeathrow Airport could impose £15 congestion charge on motorists. The charge would apply to motorists using the roads surrounding the airport.
30th AprilChina links could aid regional airport bid for Swansea. Council leader believes current links with China could help a Swansea airport support the national airport at Cardiff.

Other Aviation Industry News

5th AprilSome Glasgow residents are upset at flight path proposals. The proposal has been heavily criticised by residents who say ‘50mph road’ noise pollution can be expected.

5th AprilCAA appoints new Consumer and Markets Director. Paul Smith will take up his position next month, replacing Richard Moriarty who is to become the new CE.

5th AprilCouncillor calls for City of Derry Airport to close. Says it is a ‘colossal waste of money’.

6th April£42m work to take place at Jersey Airport. The work is scheduled to start in October with completion planned for 2021.

11th AprilMAG is expecting its growth to continue. It reports a 4.3 per cent boost across its three airports – Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands.

12th AprilIATA warns that Heathrow costs could spiral out of control. It’s welcomed the TSC’s endorsement of Heathrow for expansion but warns about increasing costs.

13th April – The Aviation Environment Federation’s comments on the Government’s published response on the Aviation Strategy calls for evidence can be seen here.

16th AprilDublin Airport’s new €40 aviation fuel farm opens. According to the airport the number of fuel vehicles on the apron area has reduced by 50%.

18th AprilAmsterdam Airport is on course to become fully sustainable. Airport CEO has stated that “one thing is certain: aviation can and must be made more sustainable.”

22nd AprilBelfast’s airports hope short-haul APD will be abolished. They are to submit evidence to a consultation on the future of APD for short-haul flights in Northern Ireland.

23rd AprilEdinburgh Airport CE bemoans delay to cutting Scottish APD. He told the Routes Europe conference in Spain, the decision by the Scottish executive was “unfortunate”.

24th AprilBelfast International Airport sold to Vinci Airports. It is thought to be a multi-billion pound deal.

25th AprilNew runway at Dublin ‘most important thing Ireland will build in a generation”. This is according to Dublin Airport Authority’s Chief Executive Dalton Philips.

25th AprilScottish MP talks to CAA over proposed flightpath changes at Glasgow. Their talks included the shift in airspace change process the CAA has enforced on the airport.
26th AprilWorld’s first 737-800 cargo aircraft unveiled at East Midlands Airport. It will initially operate the twice nightly EMA to Belfast route on behalf of Royal Mail.
29th AprilHIAL unveils plans for updating its air traffic control. It will introduce the new system over next 10-15 years, centralising ATC for 7 out of its 11 airports at a single location.

SASIG Library Additions

The minutes of the 4th meeting of the Airspace and Noise Engagement Group (ANEG) held on 5th March 2018 and attended by SASIG, can be seen here.

On 7th April the Government published its response to the Aviation Strategy calls for evidence. The document, titled “‘Beyond the horizon, The future of UK aviation – Next steps towards an Aviation Strategy’ can be seen here.