Sir - Following the "Comment" article on public-inquiry processes (Flight International, 24 - 30 May, P3), I would like to make several points about Manchester Airport's case for a second runway.
The public inquiry into our application to build a second runway has now ended. It ran for a total of 101 days.
Essentially, our case has been based on the predicted demand for air travel and the economic benefits the development would bring, such as investment, inbound tourism and, most importantly, the creation of 50,000 new jobs in the region.
You suggest a public referendum to determine views about airport expansion. Although Manchester did not take such a step, polls carried out by MORI in parliamentary constituencies in Greater Manchester and North Cheshire showed that more people supported the expansion than opposed it.
A similar poll of the business community showed even greater support. Indeed, of the 13,804 letters submitted to the Second Runway Inquiry, over 11,000 supported airport expansion.
The main reason for backing expansion was quite simply the massive benefits brought to the region by Manchester Airport.
DAVID TEALE,
Director of Corporate Affairs
Manchester Airport, UK
Source: Flight International
