Two air transport events this week are seemingly not connected. But they are. And they involve an aircraft with British wings, the Airbus A320 neo.
On Monday 27 January London City Airport announced ambitious plans to operate the Neo on its 1200m runway. See www.travelnewsupdate.co.uk/article/909. (First story.) The press release says it has a capacity for up to 180 passengers. And on Wednesday 29 January current UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves in a controversial speech to business leaders backed a plan for a major third runway at Heathrow.
TNU applauds the idea, but most people think that if it gets the go-ahead it will take at least ten years to implement.
Our suggestion is a new short northern runway at Heathrow, perhaps 1500m. It is not so much land grabbing but most importantly it does not implode into the M25. A simple solution connecting into Terminal 5, and less legislative effort regarding planning. It would be a five-year project, about the time it took London City from concept to first flight.
The George Best Belfast City Airport runway is 1816m long.
Ten years ago Proffessor David Starkie came up with a similar solution.
www.btnews.co.uk/article/9300
Also see ON TOUR: The Maplin Story
And www.gov.uk/The government words
With only 1500m to accommodate there is flexibility with its position.
All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 200 words maximum
Malcolm Ginsberg, United Kingdom
Please see the piece referred to by David. It is in the BTN archive. https://www.btnews.co.uk/article/9300
Jim Jones, Willesden, London.
Sad to say this will not pacify the airport objectors. The UK needs to consolidate its position as number on airport in Europe. Giving the smaller Airbus A320 and Boeing Max series room will really help by adding capacity.
John Oliver, Hendon
This is a quick solution. It might even happen.
James Smith, Windsor
This is a fine idea without having to deal with the M25 and all the construction problems. How much land does Heathrow own in the Harmondsworth area.
David Starkie, United Kingdom
Yes, something along the lines suggested in my BTN piece, 14th September 2015.
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