Heathrow Airport announces that it will today ask the Government to appoint an independent assessor to guarantee public confidence in noise and air quality limits if expansion is approved.
Regardless of the theoretical capacity created by mixed-mode and a third runway, the airport will only raise the number of flights if it operates within these environmental limits.
Additionally, Heathrow will only increase the number of flights using its two existing runways (mixed-mode) at peak times when the airport has significantly enhanced punctuality and reliability to a standard developed with airlines, passengers and business groups.
This approach will also reduce the environmental impacts of aircraft ‘stacking’ in the sky before landing, and queuing on congested taxiways prior to departure.
Colin Matthews, chief executive of BAA, said: “We have listened to the many arguments around expansion at Heathrow. Although the economic case remains compelling, we understand that we can only increase the number of flights if we can safeguard levels of noise and air quality.
“By calling on an independent assessor to scrutinise the airport’s performance against these limits, we are providing an uncompromising assurance that we will operate Heathrow Airport within the limits laid down by Government. If we don’t, the number of flights in and out of Heathrow could be capped.
“We are also announcing today that we would take advantage of mixed mode to increase the number of flights in and out of Heathrow at peak times only when punctuality has improved to an agreed standard. Today, Heathrow operates at 99.7% capacity, reducing resilience when problems arise. The extra flexibility offered by mixed-mode and the third runway will enable Heathrow to match the reliability of its international competitors.”
If the Government approves the introduction of mixed-mode and a third runway, Heathrow Airport will set out specific punctuality targets, based on discussions with airlines, passenger groups and business organisations. The company will also consult local people, to consider further steps to tackle the local impacts of aviation and better support communities.
Heathrow will also work with aviation industry partners, including airlines and engine and aircraft manufacturers, to develop new technology which will reduce emissions and address the industry’s contribution to climate change.
Heathrow Airport is also in discussions around high-speed rail options, and will consult on a revised ground transport strategy. This work will reflect the importance of strategic rail services to Heathrow’s growth and develop a plan to fully integrate a three-runway Heathrow with the wider UK transport system.
Notes to editors
To limit noise impacts the Government has said that expansion may only proceed if there is no more aircraft noise than in summer 2002, as measured by the size of the 57 dBA Leq contour.
The test on air quality contained in the 2003 White Paper was that air quality levels must be consistently contained within EU limits that come into force in 2010. The particularly relevant limit for Heathrow is the annual mean level of nitrogen dioxide, which must not exceed 40 microgrammes per cubic metre in residential areas.
