Civils contractors today welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to allow a third runway to be built at Heathrow airport supporting the long-term strategic infrastructure interests of the UK.
Commenting, CECA Director of External Affairs Marie-Claude Hemming said: “To secure the long-term interests of the UK, we must close the aviation capacity gap.
“Heathrow is key to Britain’s status as a global trading nation, and its expansion will deliver many thousands of jobs and billions of pounds to the UK economy.
“The £14 billion expansion will be privately funded, which means it will be built at no cost to the taxpayer and will address the fact that Heathrow has been operating at full capacity for many years.
“While the aviation industry has been badly hit by the pandemic, we believe this will be a temporary phenomenon and will quickly reversed once COVID-19 vaccinations have been widely rolled out.
“The ability to fly for business or pleasure will once again become an important part of our lives, and key to a strong economy, allowing the UK to compete in business and tourism.
“Looking beyond the pandemic, it is extremely important that this nationally-significant infrastructure project is delivered, rather than being kicked into the long grass as it has been so many times before.
“While the immediate challenges in the aviation sector are clear to all, aviation will remain vital for the UK’s long term economic and social growth.
“Today’s decision is just one of many steps towards delivering this strategic project, and we will continue to support Heathrow and its supply chains it its innovative and efficient delivery.”
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