The Government’s decision to support the provision of an additional runway at Heathrow should be made into a ‘win-win’ situation for all parties, claims The (UK-based) Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) after the Ministerial announcement on 25 October.

Paul Le Blond, Chair, Aviation Policy Group, CILT commented: ‘The end to uncertainty over airports policy is welcomed by logistics and transport professionals, whichever option they supported, but there can be benefits for all parties, who can now take action to ensure that the decision is implemented in the best possible way for all.’

‘Logistics and transport operators, from airlines to freight companies, should use the opportunities that this decision will bring to plan long-term investments in more sustainable infrastructure, equipment and working practices, in order to create a lower carbon footprint and to meet air quality standards.’

‘Communities around the airport should seize the opportunities created for employment and for supplying the expanding airport, not just immediately, but over a long-term period, through education, training and entrepreneurship.’