Bristol airport features in a short film focusing on the benefits of flying from regional airports launched today (Monday) at the Airport Operators Association annual conference in London.
The film forms part of an AOA TV News programme which will be hosted in the aviation section of the ITN Transport News channel – transportnews.itn.co.uk.
Bristol is the only regional airport involved, alongside other aviation industry organisations.
Airport chief executive Robert Sinclair said: “The film captures the regional airport experience, featuring business, leisure and inbound passengers who value the friendliness and convenience we offer.
“It is a timely reminder that the important role regional airports can play in rebalancing the economy should not be overlooked in an aviation debate dominated by London interests.”
He added: “We are not suggesting Bristol airport can solve the challenges faced in the southeast – although we do have the capacity to relieve some of the congestion at the London airports by encouraging more passengers from our region to use their local airport.
“But it is important that the government does not lose sight of the regional picture and continues to support airports outside London through improved surface access, overseas promotion and light touch regulation which recognises that resources may be more limited.”
The airport last year put forward five recommendations in response to the government’s consultation on its aviation policy which it claimed would deliver real benefits for airports in the regions, the wider economy and passengers across the country.
The suggestions would enable airports outside London to more effectively serve their local markets by making best use of existing capacity, easing congestion in the south-east as a result.