The Aviation Minister, the Rt. Hon. Theresa Villiers MP, together with BAA and CAA who are responsible for operations at Heathrow airport, briefed MPs and representatives from Local Authorities on the main recommendations from the South East Airports Taskforce (SEAT).
SEAT was formed to develop proposals to improve punctuality, increase resilience and reduce delay at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports. The Coalition Government has already cancelled plans for a third runway at Heathrow and has stated its commitment to retaining runway alternation. However, it does recognise the pressure on the aviation industry and the need to make Heathrow “better, not bigger” and SEAT is one element of a wider aviation strategy to achieve this.
SEAT has made a number of recommendations to improve operations at the three airports, including making changes to flight timetables to build in more contingency to cope with delays. The taskforce also proposes the extension of the use of tactical measures to clear or prevent significant delays, including the possible use of both runways for takeoffs and landings.
The Aviation Minister made clear at the meeting that these measures would only be approved for use in “exceptional and occasional” circumstances and only following a full evidence-based assessment of the potential benefits and impacts on those who might be affected. To assess the impact, they will trial the new operating procedures for four months from 1st November 2011, followed by a period of review and assessment and a second trial during the summer, starting on the 1st July 2012 for three months.
Local MP, Mary Macleod commented after the briefing: “I accept there is a need to maximise the efficiency of operations at Heathrow airport and improve safety, punctuality and resilience. However, I am very concerned about any increase in noise and disruption experienced by local residents during the trial period of new operational procedures.
“I have written to the Aviation Minister to express my concern and seek assurances that any change to the scheduled use of runways is for emergency use only, with strictly defined criteria put in place to define such ‘emergency situations’. I have also requested that effective measures are put in place to inform local residents of any changes to runway use as soon as these decisions are taken.
“I am pleased that both BAA and CAA have committed to providing information to residents prior to the trial starting and to involving local communities in the assessment of any changes. I would encourage all residents to feedback any impact on them during the trial period and take part in the assessments of the trials.
“I would like to stress to local residents that I and the Coalition Government have not only stopped the third runway but also remain firmly committed to the use of runway alternation and to maintaining the current cap on the number of flights at Heathrow. I will stay closely involved in the planning stages for the trial of these new airport procedures, to ensure local residents are listened to and will continue my campaign against night flights and for improved noise insulation for local communities.”
John Stewart, Chair of HACAN commented “We support Mary Macleod’s call for strict controls for any new system that is put in place as the half day’s peace and quiet is so valuable to local residents.”
July 29, 2011
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