Following the announcement earlier last week (20 December 2019) that the proposed expansion of London Heathrow airport is to be delayed by at least a year, Zoe McLernan, Policy Manager at FTA says:
“FTA supports expansion at Heathrow, and at other airports around the UK, to provide vital global links for Britain’s trade. Air cargo already accounts for 40% of imports and exports by value, and more capacity is urgently required. Air cargo growth at Heathrow has stalled because it is operating at full capacity.
“While today’s announcement from the CAA will cause a delay to the new runway becoming operational, FTA is confident that, for the sake of UK trade, this will be only a short pause to allow stakeholders time to reflect and find a solution on charging and costs that works for everyone.”
Efficient logistics is vital to keep Britain trading, directly having an impact on more than seven million people employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. A champion and challenger, FTA speaks to government with one voice on behalf of the whole sector, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers.
