SASIG September Newsletter

by | Oct 15, 2018 | Uncategorised | 0 comments

Editor’s Highlights

Although Parliament only sat from 5-13 September, before once again going into recess for the conference season, there was still significant activity in terms of Government publications and questions in the House. Brexit aviation technical notes made news headlines, NPS Judicial Reviews reached six in total, CAA airspace strategy consultation closed and DfT began making appointments to a new Airspace Modernisation Board – the latter included the Chairman of SASIG.

SASIG has learnt that the Aviation Strategy Green Paper promised in October, will not now be published until December this year.  We will be raising the planned timescale, scope of the document and members key areas of concern when we meet the Minister for Aviation, Baroness Sugg on 19 November.

Monthly Highlights

10th September – The CAA’s consultation on the draft Airspace Guidance Strategy ends. SASIG submits a response which can be seen on the website.

18th September– APPG on General Aviation launches an inquiryinto the modernisation of airspace. It will run until 31st October 2018.

24th September– DfT publishes a number of transport technical notices including those to do with aviation safety, security and flights in and out of the UK in the event of a no Brexit deal.  Further information can be seen here.

25th September– The CAA announces a new microsite which can be used as a central source of information for aviation and aerospace in the event of a no-deal Brexit.  Further information can be seen here.

Events, Meetings and Conferences

SASIG Meetings

  • 16th November 2018:SASIG full meeting (Venue: LGA, Smith Square, London)        followed in the afternoon by a workshop on Airports, Cities and Economic Growth.
  • 6th February 2019:SASIG full meeting (Venue: LGA, Smith Square, London)
  • 10th July 2019:SASIG full meeting (Venue: LGA, Smith Square, London)

External Conferences

Parliamentary and Government News

Both the House of Commons and House of Lords rose on 20th July and returned on 5th September.  They then rose again for the Conference recess on 13th September and will return on 9th October.

Transport Questions:  House of Commons:

There were no Transport questions in the House of Commons this month.

Transport Questions:  House of Lords

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

Parliamentary Questions: 

Q.1. Question (HL9954) asked by Lord Grade of Yarmouth on 4th September 2018: “To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have been given assurances that the £14 billion proposed costs for the Heathrow Airportexpansion cover the full capacity increase to 130 million passengers per year”. (See group answer below)

Q.2. Question (HL9955) asked by Lord Grade of Yarmouth on 4th September 2018: “To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they plan to publish a breakdown of the costs of Heathrow Airportexpansion”.

  1. (Group answer to Q’s: HL9954/55) Baroness Sugg on 13th September 2018: “The Government is clear that the Northwest Runway scheme at Heathrow will be financed by the private sector without Government support. Heathrow is a regulated airport and as such any plans for expansion, including expenditure, are subject to scrutiny from both its airline customers and the regulator with updates expected as appropriate. Ahead of the decision to designate the Airports National Policy Statement (NPS) the Government and its independent expert advisors concluded that, so far as can be assessed at this early stage of the process, Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) is able to privately finance expansion without Government support. The Airports NPS is clear that it requires a scheme that must be “capable of delivering additional capacity of at least 260,000 air transport movements per annum” – and it is for an applicant to demonstrate how the phasing of any scheme would deliver this capacity increase in its Development Consent Order application”.

Q.3. Question (HL9956) asked by Lord Grade of Yarmouth on 4th September 2018: “To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps, if any, they are taking to ensure that (1) the costs of Heathrow Airportexpansion do not rise above £14 billion, and (2) that airlines, passengers and taxpayers will not cover any extra amount should costs rise above that level”.

  1. Baroness Sugg on 13th September 2018: “The Government is clear that the Northwest Runway scheme at Heathrow will be financed by the private sector. Ahead of the decision to designate the Airports National Policy Statement (NPS) the Government and its independent expert advisors concluded that, so far as can be assessed at this early stage of the process, Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) is able to privately finance expansion without Government support. The Secretary of State for Transport set out a clear ambition in 2016 for airport charges to remain as close as possible to current levels in real terms. The Secretary of State has re-commissioned the CAA to oversee, and report on, how well Heathrow Airport Limited is engaging with the airline community on its plans for expansion with the objective of achieving value for money for the consumer. This follows on from a previous commission during which Heathrow announced the identification of potential costs savings of up to £2.5bn. Ultimately, the CAA will determine the level of airport charges in lines with its primary duty to further the interests of consumers (passengers and freight operators). In its most recent consultation the CAA noted 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 [Secretary of State] on these matters in 2016”.

Q.4. Question (HL9957) asked by Lord Grade of Yarmouth on 4th September 2018: “To ask Her Majesty’s Government what process will be used to determine who will be the developer and operator of the new terminal at Heathrow Airport”.

  1. Baroness Sugg on 13th September 2018: “The Airports National Policy Statement (NPS) does not identify any statutory undertaker as the appropriate person or appropriate persons to carry out the preferred scheme. Any prospective developer would need to submit a Development Consent Order (DCO) application in line with the Airports NPS. Any application for a DCO will be considered carefully and with an open mind based on the evidence provided, through a public examination by the independent Planning Inspectorate, before any final decision is made. The CAA has recently published a technical note outlining its approach to dealing with licensing issues raised by potential new developers of expansion at Heathrow”.

Q.5. Question (HL9958) asked by Lord Grade of Yarmouth on 4th September 2018: “To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the extent to which competition between existing and new terminal facilities at Heathrow Airport might be beneficial to airlines and passengers”.

  1. Baroness Sugg on 13th September 2018: “The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the independent regulator, will consider the benefits of competition at Heathrow Airport. It has already explained the importance of considering alternative commercial and delivery arrangements for the provision of new capacity and has recently published a technical note on this subject in the context of expansion. Government continues to encourage all potential promoters to engage with all relevant stakeholders on proposals that will facilitate the efficient and timely delivery of new capacity at Heathrow Airport”.

Q.6. Question (169521) asked by Alan Brown (Kilmarnock & Loudoun) on 3rd September 2018: “To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 3 July 2018 to Question 158775 on Immigration Controls: Airports, with reference to his Department’s response to the Freedom of Information request by The Times newspaper, reference 41762, how many passport control queues exceeded the service level agreement (a) 25-minute waiting time for EEA passengers and (b) 45-minute waiting time for non-EEA passengers in each month for the period (i) January to May 2017 and (ii) January to May 2018 at (A) Heathrow, (B) Gatwick, (C) Manchester, (D) Stansted, (E) Luton, (F) Edinburgh, (G) Birmingham, (H) Glasgow, (I) Bristol and (J) Belfast International airports; and if he will make a statement”.

  1. Caroline Nokes on 11th September 2018: “The Home Office publishes quarterly transparency data on the proportion of passengers cleared at the border within published service standards. Performance data is not published in respect of individual ports”.

Q.7. Question (169265) asked by John Howell (Henley) on 3rd September 2018: “To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the effect of the imposition of Air Passenger Duty on regional airports in the UK”.

  1. Robert Jenrick on 10th September 2018: “Like all taxes, Air Passenger Duty remains under review and officials regularly engage with stakeholders, including representatives from regional airports. Last year regional airports handled approximately 113 million passengers, around 40% of the UK total, and airports across the regions of the UK continue to grow”.

Q.8. Question (169283) asked by Lesley Laird (Kirkcaldy & Cowdenbeath) on 3rd September 2018: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department takes to ensure that the views of affected communities are taken into account in decisions on Airspace Change Programmes”. (See group answer below)

Q.9 Question (169284) asked by Lesley Laird (Kirkcaldy & Cowdenbeath) on 3rd September 2018: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he has taken to ensure that the health impacts of communities under proposed flight paths are taken into account in decisions on Airspace Change Programmes, including the recommendation of the World Health Organisations that people can receive eight hours of undisturbed sleep”. (See group answer below)

Q.10. Question (169285) asked by Lesley Laird (Kirkcaldy & Cowdenbeath) on 3rd September 2018: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make it his policy to ensure the publication of all information in relation to Airspace Change Programmes”.

  1. (Group answer to Q’s: 169283/84/85) Jesse Norman on 6th September 2018: “In October 2017 the Government published revised air navigation guidance to the Civil AviationAuthority (CAA) and the aviationindustry. This guidance requires airspace change sponsors to consult with those who may be affected including airspace users and communities and to take their views into account when finalising their proposals. A key requirement in the guidance is the need for sponsors following the Air Navigation Guidance 2017 to carry out a full assessment of the airspace options they are considering. This assessment takes into account the health effects of the proposals. Under the new CAA airspace change process (CAP 1616) all relevant information is published on the CAA website. For proposals being considered under the old CAP 725 process, we have asked the CAA to ensure that the final proposals submitted to it for approval are also published on its website. As agreed with CAA, any airspace change sponsor who had launched their public consultation on their proposal before 2 January 2018 is being assessed against the requirements of CAP725 and the Air Navigation Guidance 2014”.

Q.11. Question (HL10300) asked by Lord Bradshaw on 12th September 2018: “To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions, if any, they have had with Gatwick Express about proposals to re-develop Gatwick Airportrailway station to manage congestion”.

  1. Baroness Sugg on 24th September 2018: “The Department for Transport is currently working with Network Rail, Gatwick Airport Ltd and other stakeholders to develop proposals for enhancing Gatwick Airport rail station in order to relieve pedestrian congestion at the station. As part of this work the Department and Network Rail have had numerous and ongoing discussions with Govia Thameslink Railway, the parent company of Gatwick Express”.

Q.12. Question (172563) asked by Hugh Gaffney (Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill) on 12th September 2018: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment he has made of the potential effect on the viability of the UK aviationsector of the UK leaving the EU”.

  1. Chris Grayling on 18th September 2018: “Aviationis critical to both the UK and the EU, so the Government has confidence that an outcome that works in the interests of both sides can be achieved. The Government’s July 2018 White Paper sets out proposals for a comprehensive Air Transport Agreement which seeks to maintain reciprocal liberalised aviationaccess to, from and within the territory of the UK and the EU, as well as continued participation in the European AviationSafety Agency (EASA) system. We will continue to work closely with the international aviationcommunity to ensure that the needs of the industry are addressed as part of the negotiations and that this global industry continues to be a major success story for the UK economy”.

 National and Regional News

1st September – An article in the Manchester Evening News showing photos of progress of the new £1 billion ‘super terminal’ at Manchester Airport so far can be seen here.

1st September– The public and local businesses are reminded that the consultation regarding plans for Newcastle Airport ends this month.The consultation began in May.

5th September– Airports says it is on track for a quieter and greener year. Results are in from Heathrow’s latest Fly Quiet and Green quarterly league table.

5th September– An article in the Basildon, Canvey, Southend Echo by CEO of Stobart Group saying that future airport expansion at Southend will be responsible can be seen here.

6th September– Two years of roadworks are planned for M11 junction at Stansted Airport. The junction sits on an important route linking Cambridgeshire, Essex, London and Stansted.

6th September– MP Grant Shapps visits Stansted Airport. He was there as Chair of the APPG on General Aviation to view the £600 million transformation programme.

6th September– Transport Secretary visits Gatwick. Airport showcased a selection of new projects helping to achieve its goal of being a leading sustainable airport.

10th September– Noise pollution affects over 700,000 according to HACAN statistics. They say 725,000 people reside in an area that is known as the 55Lden contour.

12th September– East Midlands Airport asked to take more action over night noise. It’s released Noise Action Plan that covers 2019-2023 but some believe more action is needed.

12th September– Stansted boss wants Government to create framework for airport growth.Says airportcould play a vital role in delivering the 50% growth in London air passengers forecast over the next decade.

12th September– Plans to extend Bristol Airport have been submitted. If approved, the 1,334 sq ft extension will be built on the mezzanine level of the terminal building.

12th September– Manchester Airport relief road set to open. The £290m Manchester Airport bypass is set to open next month after years of planning.

13th September – Newcastle Airport is key to the local economy says North Tyneside MP who links it to Heathrow expansion. Short article in the News Guardian can be seen here.

14th September– Date set for committee to consider Stansted Airport planning application.It has been set for Friday, October 12th.

14th September– ‘Game-changing’ plans at Leeds Bradford Airport in bid to boost

connectivity.Airport CE says airport will be able to deliver for a region the size of Yorkshire.

15th September– Council concerned over Luton Airport expansion. Hertfordshire County Council has some concerns over plans by the airport to double its capacity by the year 2050.

18th September– RiverOak buy land for Manston airport. Hopeful of winning a DCO to return Manston to a cargo and freight hub, they say it will be used as a fuel facility.

19th September– Southampton Airport masterplan consultation runs until end of October. It plans to extend its runway and terminal in a bid to more than double passenger numbers.

19th September– Stansted Airport has a new Chief Operating Officer. Former Virgin Atlantic COO, Steve Griffiths takes over on October 15th.

19th September– Heathrow continues to be world’s most internationally connected airport.The results are based on OAG’s Megahubs International Index 2018.

21st September– Heathrow announces second phase of consultation. It will start in the New Year with two consultations in January and June.

23rd September– Polling around Heathrow shows what residents really think of the 3rd runway plans.Populus survey shows that support for expansion has increased by 6%.

24th September– HACAN says it is pleased Heathrow is redesigning flight paths. This will give communities affected by noise a much needed break.

25th September– A consultation is agreed on proposals to improve road and rail transport connectivity to Leeds Bradford Airport.  The consultation will take place in the New Year.

26th September– New 9-storey car park to be built at Airport City, Manchester. The developmentforms part of airport’s masterplan to 2030 and is the first of its kind in the UK.

26th September– Norwich Airport is still aiming for ‘prize hubs such as Dublin and Paris’ after year of steady growth. MD says it is focused on driving international expansion.

30th September– Local campaign groups are not happy with Luton Airport expansion. They say that passenger demand is met by other airports.

Other Aviation Industry News

3rd September – Calls for new road to ease Edinburgh Airport traffic bottlenecks. Plans to construct a second access road have been put back on the table.

5th September– Cardiff Airport is given a £1 million funding boost for new e-gates at border control.Investment in e-gates at the airport is a bid to improve efficiency.

6th September– Glasgow Airport will re-run consultation on flight path changes. Local MP urged airport to take note of residents’ concerns about the handling of the previous consultation process earlier this year.

7th September– Major expansion planned for Dublin Airport.DAA to invest €900m in piers and stands, with another €320m earmarked for new runway.

8th September– Edinburgh Airport installs temporary noise monitors in some Fife gardens. This follows concerns about the proposed flight path.

11th September– The CAA publishes a response to a news story about UK aviation and Brexit.  The response can be seen here.

11th September– An article published in Airport Technology titled ‘Airport privatisation: the great debate’, can be seen here.

13th September– A survey across 100 of the world’s airports shows that a week’s parking in UK airports (mainly London) is some of the most expensive. More details can be seen here.

18th September– An article in the Financial Times titled “How the promise of electric power could transform aviation” can be seen here.

18th September– APPG on General Aviation launches an inquiryinto the modernisation of airspace. It will run until 31st October 2018.

19th September– Irish Minister of Transport says Council is not ‘beholden’ by being Dublin Airport noise regulator.He’s rejected claims of a financial conflict of interest for Fingal CC.

19th September– European airports issue warning if there is no Brexit deal. They’vewarned Brussels they face ‘major disruption and heightened safety risks’ if a deal is not reached.

20th September– ACI World publishesannual World Airport Traffic Report. Details can be seen here.

20th September– APD is costing the UK over 60 airline routes.A report commissioned by Airlines UK identifies 66 routes that would be more viable if there were no APD charges.

20th September– An article in ‘Airport World’ about a new report exploring the long-term potential of digital technologies for airports can be seen here.

24th September– DfT publishes a number of transport technical notices including those to do with aviation safety, security and flights in and out of the UK in the event of a no Brexit deal.  Further information can be seen here.

25th September– Scottish Government says a no-Brexit deal could affect Scotland’s connectivity.Aberdeen Airport bosses also say it is vital to secure a deal with the EU.

25th September– Council hopeful on funding deal for City of Derry Airport. It could close next year because of funding shortfall.

25th September– The CAA announces a new microsite which can be used as a central source of information for aviation and aerospace in the event of a no-deal Brexit.  Further information can be seen here.

25th September– An article published in Airport World about ‘Park and Fly’ initiatives at gateways across the globe can be seen here.

27th September– Drone partner for Aerospace Cornwall. It’s teamed with a drone operator to launch the first Unmanned Aircraft Systems flight from Newquay Airport next year.

27th September– Dundee may link with Heathrow once 3rd runway is built. Airport said an obligation to examine new Scottish air links meant the city is high on its list.

28th September– Shannon Airport in Ireland deploys facial recognition technology. It’s become the first airport in Europe install facial recognition technology for US preclearance.

29th September– Aberdeen airport is to host consultation on aircraft noise. The six-week public consultation will close on November 9th.

SASIG Library Additions

A future inquiry and consultation programme can be seen here.

On 10th September, SASIG submitted a response to the CAA consultation on the draft Airspace Guidance Strategy.  The response can be seen here.