Optimising UK MoD assets

Sir - I have read of the UK Ministry of Defence's desire for more use to be made by business aviation of west London's Northolt Airport.

Recently arriving in London after an overnight flight from Cape Town, South Africa, Luton and Stansted, in the UK, were below limits because of fog, and Heathrow and Northolt were wide open. As Heathrow no longer accepts business jets on weather diversions, we thought to divert to Northolt, but the reply was: "Sorry, prior permission only, 24h notice required."

Until someone explains the realities of the weather to the MoD, I fear that it faces an uphill battle in its efforts to realise a higher return on its assets.

BARRY PONSFORD

Cape Town, South Africa

Source: Flight International