British Airways has dismissed plans for a high-speed rail link between Gatwick and Heathrow to create of a virtual single hub airport.
It argues that both airports currently operate at full capacity, and the logistical challenges to create the so-called ‘Heathwick’ would “prove insurmountable”.
Responding to the Government’s UK aviation review, the airline warns that there must be additional aviation capacity in the south east of England to meet growing demand for global connectivity in order to support the UK economy.
Chief executive Keith Williams said: “The Government must take action now. There are no easy choices, but avoiding these choices is to undermine the UK aviation and aerospace industry and to hinder the economic recovery.”
He added: “We are already falling behind other European hubs in providing services to the booming markets of China and India. This will only continue unless the Government commits to allowing sustainable growth.
“The UK Government has a choice. It can pursue sustainable growth, or simply manage a steady decline.”
While the number of direct services to China has stalled at Heathrow, rival hubs in Europe have continued to add services, BA says. There are now 21 emerging market destinations with daily flights from other European hubs that are not served from Heathrow.
As a result UK passengers are increasingly being forced to transfer through alternative hubs such as Paris, Frankfurt and Amsterdam – effectively outsourcing the UK’s air transport needs, according to the carrier.
BA said it was “convinced” aviation in the UK can continue to grow, while meeting its environmental obligations.
The industry has already realised significant environmental performance improvement and will continue to do so through measures such as the EU emissions trading scheme. BA said it was committed to achieving a target of a 50% reduction in net carbon emissions by 2050.
The airline also argued that limiting capacity in the UK will not lead to a reduction in global carbon emissions. Demand will simply be displaced to hubs in other countries, while marginalising the UK.