Heathrow expansion will boost Britain’s economy, believes airport’s chairman

The expansion of Heathrow Airport’s runway will help to boost Britain’s economy, according to Lord Paul Deighton.

Heathrow Airport’s new Chairman made his first official visit to Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA) yesterday and highlighted the benefits of an expansion in an election-style manifesto.

Pledges

Lord Deighton unveiled five core pledges to help secure a better economic future not just for the North West region but also for Britain as a whole if the Government agrees to expand the airport.

The pledges highlighted the benefits that an expansion would provide, including helping Britain’s economy to grow and creating up to 15,000 new jobs in the North West.

An expansion would also benefit local businesses, connecting them with up to 40 long-haul destinations across the world.

Lord Deighton also pledged to meet environmental and noise limits, improve connectivity with Liverpool airport and secure a better future for families.

Expansion of the airport is being backed by the Airports Commission, who reached the decision that it will help to benefit the whole of Britain.

The Government is now being urged to support Heathrow’s expansion plans, with LJLA Chief Executive Andrew Cornish stating that it will help to benefit regional airports such as Liverpool by providing access to the UK’s hub airport, improving worldwide connectivity.

Capacity

Speaking out about the expansion at LJLA yesterday, Lord Deighton said: “If Heathrow falls behind, Britain falls behind. That means fewer jobs and less security for families in Liverpool. That is why we must have runway capacity that is fit for the future and build it now.”