News

A number of airlines, unions and aviation employers have pledged their support to plans to expand Heathrow airport and claimed that growth can be sustainable.

The Future Heathrow group said that 'rapid progress' is needed on the plans following rulings that expansions in runway capacity would meet environmental standards.

According to the group, improvement of Heathrow would bring an annual benefit of £10bn to the economy, while failure to act could threaten London's status as a global business capital.

Willie Walsh, chief executive of British Airways, said: 'We are committed to ensuring that growth is sustainable. By the time a third runway becomes operational, aviation emissions will have been capped by the EU for several years.

'If airlines want to fly more, they will have to pay for emissions reductions in other industries - so overall CO2 in the atmosphere will not rise because of a third runway.'

Steve Ridgway, chief executive of Virgin Atlantic, said that limiting expansion at Heathrow would damage the competitiveness of the UK and limit the choice available to travellers from London.

He also claimed that climate change will not be prevented by stunting the growth of Heathrow, as developments would simply take place elsewhere.

Opodo is a leading online travel company offering flights, hotels, rental cars and holidays worldwide. Search for travel deals.

© Adfero Ltd