Heathrow Airport’s new CEO John Holland-Kaye has apologised to local residents for the lie told by the airport when it promised not to build a third runway.
Holland-Kaye said he was shocked by a commitment made by the airport’s previous owner, BAA, made almost 20 years ago, to permanently rule out another runway.
Speaking at the Airports Commission public consultation on increasing airport capacity in the southeast of England, he said: "I am shocked by that commitment. It should never have been made. And it could never be kept.
"That is not an excuse. It is an apology.
"I am sorry Heathrow made that commitment."
Holland-Kaye, who took over as CEO of Heathrow in July, said the false commitment had ‘hung over the relationship with local communities, and has led to a deficit of trust that can only be repaired by demonstrating we are a different company from the past’.
He also said the airport had not done enough to listen to local concerns about previous plans for a third runway and that it should have done more to reduce aircraft noise and to ensure those who stood to lose their homes or suffered more noise due to a third runway were treated fairly.
"We should have done more to help local people access the jobs that would come from expansion," he added.
"If there was a sense economic benefits should trump environmental costs, or national benefits should hold sway over local disruption, then I am sorry. We got it wrong."
He said the latest proposal for a full length runway, located further west and with an approach over the M4, will allow respite from noise for those living under the flightpath, it will get rid of ‘routine plane stacking over London’, build better flood defences, create more open spaces connected by cycle paths and work with schools and universities to make sure children today will have the skills needed to fulfill the 40,000 new jobs needed in an expanded Heathrow.
Holland-Kaye acknowledged the new proposal will lead to the loss of 750 homes and he said those whose homes would be demolished if the new runway is approved will receive 25% above market value and others whose homes won’t be demolished but who wish to move will receive the same compensation as those whose homes will be compulsorily purchased.
Other improvements revealed by Holland-Kaye include better public transport and strict environmental limits on air pollution.
Ending his charm offensive, he said a third runway would boost economic growth by up to £211 billion and create up to 180,000 new jobs across the UK.
The Airports Commission has invited public consultation on proposals for expanding capacity at both Heathrow and Gatwick before making its final recommendations to the Government next year.
