FTA responds to Heathrow delay

Following immediately in the wake of the announcement earlier today (December 20) that the much-talked about expansion (and third runway) of London Heathrow Airport is to be delayed by at least a year, the UK’s Freight Transport Association (FTA) was quick to offer its thoughts.

Zoe McLernan, the trade body’s policy manager, commented: “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 [the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority] 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,” McLernan said positively.

FTA represents members who are active in the road, rail, sea and air sectors, as well as buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers.

FTA appointed Zoe McLernon as its multimodal policy manager in November; this was a newly created role intended to “strengthen FTA’s position as the only business organisation representing all aspects of the UK logistics sector”.