Business aircraft capacity at London's major international airports will halve by 2010 according to a UK Government-sponsored report. It says the knock-on effect could have a significant impact on the industry in general and the UK economy in particular,
"The reduction in the provision for business aviation in the south east has already led to some aviation activity leaving the region. Further reductions might threaten more significant changes with potential loss of income to the UK as a whole," says the report.
The study - The Economic Impact of Business Aviation - is the second of a three-part investigation into the state of the industry in the south east of England, which represents more than 66,000 business aviation movements annually.
Part one of the report, examining the demand and capacity for business aircraft in the region, was published last year. Final recommendations will be in part three.
The report reveals that, while the business aviation industry provides a valuable contribution to the region in terms of inward investment and employment, it is coming under increasing pressure from the reduction in available slots at London's Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports. It forecasts that between 1997 and 2010, movements at Heathrow will fall from 5,000 a year to 2,000; at Gatwick from 2,400 to 1,000; and at Stansted from 8,600 to 5,000, dropping again to 1,000 movements by 2020.
The UK general aviation community is calling on the government to formalise business aviation access to the major airports. "Access to these airports will always be needed in addition to a range of suitable alternative aerodromes with assured futures [Farnborough, Biggin Hill and Northolt]," says Graham Forbes, chief executive of the UK General Aviation Manufacturers and Traders Association.
Last year, fixed-based operator Metro Business Aviation issued court proceedings against Heathrow controller BAA for denying it access to operate effectively.
Source: Flight International
