Additional aviation capacity across UK needed to maintain competitive edge

New paper by Balfour Beatty reveals additional aviation capacity crucial at Heathrow and across UK for post-Brexit Britain.

A paper by Balfour Beatty, the international infrastructure group has revealed today that additional aviation capacity at Heathrow and across the UK will be even more crucial for post-Brexit Britain if it is to keep its competitive edge.

The aviation policy paper, “Getting off the Ground”, said that in order to unlock the growth of emerging markets, a world-class airport hub is the key, warning that a lack of direct connections to emerging markets will hold the economy back, losing trade to countries that are better connected.

The paper states that if work does not begin soon to increase capacity in the southeast, London and the UK will be overtaken by other major European cities as transport hubs. Balfour Beatty backs the controversial plans for a third runway at Heathrow airport and the general expansion of UK runway capacity, calling for the process to be sped up.

Following the UK’s decision to leave the EU, Balfour Beatty conclude that this must be taken into account to secure the future of the UK’s aviation capacity needs. All parts of the UK will need to stay well-connected during post-Brexit. The group calls for an aviation strategy that will improve the country’s connectivity nationally, considering opportunities at all airports to ensure all regions can benefit from better international links and the subsequent economic growth.

Scotland, Birmingham and Manchester are mentioned in the paper as potentially good airports to consider.

Leo Quinn, Balfour Beatty Chief Executive, said: “In a post-Brexit Britain, international interconnectivity will be even more important so it is crucial that we start boosting our aviation capacity sooner rather than later in order to retain our competitive edge in a global market.

“Consideration of where to add capacity must be given not just to London and the South-East but all regions. Failure to take this UK wide approach could see our trade with international markets and potential economic growth fail to get off the ground. The right approach will put aviation at the heart of the UK’s industrial strategy and deliver the economic growth and dynamism that the UK needs.”

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