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Branson lobbies for third Heathrow runway
Failure to build a third runway at Heathrow will lead to a drain of multi-national businesses from London, Virgin Atlantic president Sir Richard Branson claims.
In the airline’s submission to consultation on an additional runway at the congested London airport, Virgin says Heathrow is essential for the capital’s future as a global hub, but it is now in danger of losing its position as Europe’s number one financial and business centre.
The consultation by the government – called “Adding Capacity at Heathrow Airport†– closes on Wednesday.
Sir Richard said: “With more runways being built in other European cities, such as Frankfurt, it is more important than ever that London expands its capacity. Business travellers need an airport that flows seamlessly, not one that seizes up due to lack of space on the runways.
“Businesses will move their global headquarters to elsewhere in Europe, and they will take thousands of jobs with them if a third runway fails to be built at Heathrow.
“Routine delays and circling overhead by all airlines, manoeuvres that simply increase pollution levels, will only be stopped with extra capacity.
“The aircraft of the future, like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, aremore fuel-efficient and much quieter, and so will help to meet the environmental criteria that the government has laid down for another runway to be built.â€
And he added: “All of the Mayoral candidates should be protecting jobs in London and promoting growth. That means supporting a third runway which will deliver the economic expansion London needs in the years ahead.â€
by Phil Davies
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