British Airways is not pushing for a third runway at Heathrow. The issue is far wider than that. The government has to look at all five London area airports to find the right way forward for the economy. I believe greater London needs additional runway capacity in the longer term. It is for the government to decide where and when.
We want Heathrow to grow so it can remain as one of the world's leading international airports. Though it is consistently rated in the top 10 of international airports by passengers, it is increasingly congested. Terminal one was originally designed for fewer than 10m passengers a year but is currently handling around 26m. This will get worse before it gets better.
Assuming it is built, the proposed terminal five will go a long way to enable British Airways, and other airlines using Heathrow, to improve the quality of service to passengers. The issue of improved runway capacity is a separate one that must be looked at in the context of the London and south-east region.
The politicians will have to take into consideration local communities and the environment in reaching a decision that will be vital for the future growth of London as a world-class trading centre. That is too big an issue to be focused on Heathrow alone.
Rod Eddington
Chief executive, British Airways
