Responding to the Airports Commission

The Airports Commission was formed in November 2012. Sir Howard Davies has put down a challenge to the industry to deliver a long-term vision that maintains the UK’s position as an international hub for aviation, and supports economic growth.

Making the best use of existing capacity in the short and medium-term

Birmingham Airport’s response to the Airports Commission's call for evidence on how to make best use of capacity in the short-medium term, shows that the Airport could handle 27 million passengers by 2021 with only minor developments to existing infrastructure.

The "five ways" to make best use of spare aviation capacity outlined in the submission are:-

• Launch a “Great British Airports" marketing campaign at the 2013 World Routes convention
• Trial fifth freedom rights for non-EU carriers seeking to offer long-haul services from airports outside the South East
• Implement a differential tax regime at airports with spare capacity
• Implement a congestion charge at over-capacity airports
• Promote consumer choice through surface access improvements

By fulfilling its growth potential, the Airport would directly support the creation of 20,000 jobs, and is closely aligned with local economic growth and regional development strategies including the Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP. The submission was endorsed by representatives of business in the Midlands including the GBS LEP, Black Country LEP, the Coventry and Warwickshire LEP Business Transport Group and the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Group.

The submission can be downloaded here.

Maintaining the UK's position as Europe's most important aviation hub

Birmingham Airport – A great airport for a great city

On 10th June 2013, Birmingham Airport launched its long-term vision for UK aviation. The vision shows how Birmingham Airport will be at the centre of a network of great airports delivering aviation capacity and connectivity to the great cities of Britain. The Airport’s development strategy will plug the greater Midlands economy into global wealth and enable businesses to reach the markets they need to deliver jobs and growth for future generations.

Birmingham Airport’s proposal meets the Airports Commission’s criteria because it is not just about runways. It is about creating the infrastructure to support Birmingham, London and Manchester. Each region has its own economic identity and requires unique international connectivity to cater for those needs.

Expansion at Birmingham Airport will make a substantial contribution to meeting growth in the UK’s air passenger demand in the long-term. It is cost effective, in line with UK climate change commitments and has been carefully designed to align with existing regional development and transport investment strategies. This consistency will maximise the social and economic value of major developments, such as the M42 gateway, HS2, and the Greater Birmingham project.

The Airport will be submitting a full response to the Airports Commission on 19th July 2013.

The launch pamphlet can be downloaded here.

Read Paul Kehoe's, CEO Birmingham Airport, speech at the launch event here.