ABTA has welcomed the announcement at the Conservative Party conference that the Government has given the go ahead for the financing of a high speed rail link from London to Birmingham.
The rail service will continue on to Manchester and Leeds, said Secretary of State Philip Hammond.
ABTA, however, has called on the government to commit to an extension of the high speed network to Heathrow and other airports throughout the country.
ABTA head of public affairs Luke Pollard said: "A 21st century high speed rail network will be a very welcome addition to our public transport network.
"It will not however replace the need for efficient and modern airport infrastructure, particularly for international travel.
"Philip Hammond says that his Government has no issue with particular modes of transport but does with carbon emissions. We call on his Government to recognise the essential role of aviation for both business and leisure."
By Linsey McNeill
