Airports Commission seeks evidence on aviation connectivity
Aviation Connectivity and the Economy discussion papers published.
The Airports Commission has today published ‘Aviation connectivity and the economy’, the second in a series of discussion papers to build the evidence base to inform its assessment of the UK’s airport capacity needs.
The paper explores how the aviation connectivity of the UK contributes to the economy of the country. It examines the drivers of connectivity and how well connected the UK is to the world and how it performs in comparison to other European countries. It considers whether aviation connectivity supports economic growth by facilitating trade, investment and innovation and it looks at options for measuring connectivity.
Sir Howard Davies, the Chair of the Airports Commission, said:
Understanding the value of airport connectivity and whether we are falling behind other countries is one of the key issues we need to understand. This paper attempts to summarise our current state of knowledge and invites responses to help us to develop our understanding.
The paper further demonstrates the Commission’s evidence based approach to deciding on the scale, nature and timing on any need for additional capacity. Parties are invited to submit evidence to the Commission on the issues raised in the paper.
Notes to editors
The Airports Commission was launched on 2 November 2012. Its terms of reference require that it should report no later than the end of 2013 on:
- its assessment of the evidence on the nature, scale and timing of the steps needed to maintain the UK’s global hub status
- its recommendation(s) for immediate actions to improve the use of existing runway capacity in the next 5 years – consistent with credible long term options
Its terms of reference also require that it should report no later than summer 2015 on:
- its assessment of the options for meeting the UK’s international connectivity needs, including their economic, social and environmental impact
- its recommendation(s) for the optimum approach to meeting any needs
- its recommendation(s) for ensuring that the need is met as expeditiously as practicable within the required timescale
Further information about the Airports Commission is available.
For interview requests or other media enquiries relating to the work of the Airports Commission please call 0207 944 3118.
Related documents
- Submitting evidence and proposals to the Airports Commission
- Discussion paper on aviation demand forecasting
Media enquiries
Airports Commission 020 7944 4292 (out of hours)
Brunswick Group 020 7404 5959