PRESS RELEASE
13/12/17 strictly embargoed until 14/12/17 00h01
CAMPAIGN GROUP PLEDGES TO FIGHT FOR TOUGH CONDITIONS TO BENEFIT RESIDENTS
Heathrow has announced that on 17th January next year it will launch two major consultations. The first will be into the mitigation measures that should be put in place if a third runway is given the go-ahead. The second will be on the design of new flight paths as the airport embarks on the biggest reorganisation of its airspace since it opened in 1946.-
John Stewart, chair of HACAN, which gives a voice to residents under the Heathrow flight paths, said: “These will be very important consultations for local communities. They could impact the quality of people’s lives for generations to come. During the consultation period HACAN will be putting forward tough proposals to mitigate the impacts of a third runway should it be given the go-ahead. And we will seize the chance to assist with the design of new flight paths so that they give local people as much respite from the noise as possible.”
Both consultations will last for a 10 week period.
Parliament is not expected to vote on whether to give the third runway the go-ahead until April or May next year. However, Heathrow is consulting on mitigations measures on the basis that last year the Prime Minister announced that Heathrow was the Government’s preferred option for a new runway.
Heathrow has been expected for some time to consult on new flight paths. It will reorganize its airspace whether or not it is given permission for a new runway. The airspace changes are being driven by new technology which allows aircraft to be guided more precisely. This cuts the cost of fuel for airlines, reduces CO2 emissions and improves the resilience of the airport. All airports in Europe are expected to introduce this new technology over the next decade.
Stewart said, “This new technology to modernize airspace clearly benefits the aviation industry. But it could also work for residents if the new precision flight paths that will be coming in are rotated so as to give meaningful respite to local communities. That is what we will be fighting for”.
ENDS
For more information:
John Stewart on 0207 737 6641; 07957385650