CAMPAIGN UPDATE - AT A GLANCE

Aviation regulator argues for more runways
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has advised government that without a credible, long-term aviation policy framework that focuses on consumers, not airlines or airports, and allows capacity to develop sustainably, it is likely that prices will rise, route choice will drop and the UK economy will suffer. Andrew Haines, CAA Chief Executive, said: "Additional capacity would offer significant benefits for consumers, and for the UK as a whole, so long as it is delivered in an environmentally sustainable way. However, as we haven't built a single runway in the south east of England capable of handling Boeing 747s and Airbus A380s for over 70 years, the difficulty of increasing capacity is obvious. This underlines the importance of an integrated policy framework that addresses environmental and planning dimensions as well as consumer need."

In the South East, says the regulator, short-term fixes and are not enough to maintain the UK's direct access to global markets alone without additional runway capacity. As such, developing appropriate additional capacity would deliver "significant benefits to consumers and wider benefits to the UK economy". However, delivering this capacity is not wholly in the Government's gift, so the policy must facilitate a credible path to provision of additional capacity, says the CAA in its report, Aviation Policy for the Future.

Noise reduction need not limit airport growth, says CAA
The Civil Aviation Authority says in another report that "a national policy response to noise that focuses exclusively on further noise reduction is unlikely to be successful". In the second of three Insight Notes to help the Government shape its aviation policy for consultation next spring, the CAA says that given the level of acrimony in the debate over noise, "policy should seek to give greater consideration to mitigating the effects of noise and finding ways for residents and airport owners to engage constructively on the issue". The CAA argues that noise reduction need not limit airport capacity growth, citing noise-mitigation measures such as steeper descents, regulatory measures such as different uses of airspace, and economic incentives that would encourage airlines to seek out technologies that reduce noise, says the Financial Times.

"The CAA is effectively saying that there isn't any way to increase the number of aircraft flights without increasing noise and that ways should be found to mitigate the adverse effects," says Martin Peachey, SSE's noise specialist. Claims that fewer residents are affected by noise are based on the out-of-date 16-hour average Leq measurement that does not adequately take into account the number of flights. "While aircraft have become quieter over time, the scope for any further technological improvement is marginal. Each aircraft on take-off still emits 140 decibels of noise, which is eight times louder than a pneumatic drill. What the CAA doesn't say is that the airlines are under pressure to reduce carbon emissions and improve fuel efficiency. The aviation industry would like to bury the noise issue, either by saying it's solved or that it can be mitigated with 'better engagement with local communities'," says Martin. "We need to remain vigilant."

The case against expansion remains rock solid, says SSE
With the Coalition Government under pressure from the aviation lobby, business and now the CAA to re-think its approach to airport capacity in the South East, is the threat of expansion at Stansted Airport back on the agenda? "Despite the fact that the Government has ruled out a second runway at Stansted, the threat of expansion is still there," says Peter Sanders, chairman of Stop Stansted Expansion. "Firstly, Stansted handles 18 million passengers per year (mppa) but has permission for 35 mppa on its single runway - with room for expansion beyond that. We will continue to resist any expansion on the single runway that is not sustainable. Secondly, our arguments against a second runway, which played a not insignificant part in the Coalition Government's decision to rule it out, remain rock solid. Another key factor is that airlines regard Stansted as a quick turnaround point-to-point airport that does not lend itself to hub airport operations. Moreover, any spare capacity at Stansted would not make up the shortfall that the aviation industry claims is needed. Nevertheless, Stansted remains the only major airport in the south east with significant spare capacity so we must remain vigilant and continue to press the case against expansion with Government and those calling for a rethink." SSE will provide guidelines to enable residents, parish councils and other organisations to respond to the Department for Transport's consultation on Developing a Sustainable Framework for UK Aviation and Night Noise Restrictions at Stansted, both of which are forecast to be published in the spring.

Cameron gives 'provisional support' for Thames airport
The Government is to announce a consultation 'within weeks' on proposals for a new London airport in the Thames estuary. David Cameron is expected to offer his 'provisional support' for the scheme, originally proposed by London Mayor Boris Johnson, according to the Daily Telegraph. The Prime Minister, who had ruled out a third runway at Heathrow, was said to be 'lukewarm' about the plans for a Thames estuary airport. The Government had planned to announce preliminary backing for the scheme on Jan 3, with feasibility studies beginning in the Spring. The announcement was expected to be linked to plans for a second high-speed rail line. Nick Clegg, the Deputy Prime Minister, blocked the announcement amid concerns that it had not been thought through. No. 10 sources said a decision on aviation strategy was now due to be announced in March, reports the paper. Mr Clegg is said to have an 'open mind' over the proposal but is keen to consider the views of environmental campaigners and residents. The Liberal Democrat position is currently to oppose airport expansion.

WWF challenges call for new runways
WWF and the Aviation Environment Federation (AEF) have challenged the call by the CAA for a re-think on airport capacity. They say that based on BAA forecasts, the shortfall in flights by 2050 would be tiny: less than 1%. The CAA also contradicts government policy about making the most of the airport capacity we already have. WWF and AEF say there is already sufficient capacity in the south east and other regions to meet future demand, in line with the recommended limits on aviation growth laid down by the Committee on Climate Change to ensure the sector plays a role in limiting its carbon emissions.

Will Manchester Airport bid for Stansted?
Manchester Airports Group, which is owned by 10 local councils, is considering a part-privatisation to raise money to bid for Stansted or Edinburgh airports. The group is also considering a joint venture with infrastructure or pension funds to support its bid, according to the Sunday Times. The Manchester group linked up with a Canadian infrastructure investor and a pension fund in its failed bid for Gatwick Airport in 2009. The group already operates East Midlands, Humberside and Bournemouth airports in addition to Manchester. Meanwhile, small business leaders in Essex have called for greater use to be made of Stansted and other airports and rejected proposals for a new hub airport in the Thames estuary. Iain Wicks, chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses in Essex, said: "There is acceptance by Essex FSB that there will be an increase in the number of people flying from airports in the South East."

Will Gatwick bid for Edinburgh?
Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), the owner of Gatwick airport, is said to be an early frontrunner in the bid to buy Edinburgh airport from Ferrovial, which was forced by the Competition Commission to put one of its Scottish airports up for sale along with Stansted.

Heathrow passengers up, Stansted down
Figures from BAA confirm that Stansted Airport has been pushed into the number four position in UK airport rankings, behind Manchester. The total number of passengers using Stansted in 2011 remained just above 18 million while Manchester recorded a figure of 18.8 million. While passenger numbers and flights at Heathrow in 2011 were up compared with the previous year, traffic at Stansted Airport has continued its downward trend, BAA concedes. December saw passenger numbers at Stansted down 3.5% on the same month last year and flights down 3.4%. The 2011 year total of 18 million passengers represented a fall of 2.8% against 2010, which had itself been reduced by the loss of about 360,000 passengers because of the volcanic ash cloud in April/May 2010. The 18 million passenger total is down 24.9% from the peak 12 months which ended in October 2007. The rolling 12 months figures for both passengers and flightss have fallen in each of the last 48 months starting January 2008. There was an upturn in cargo tonnage, with the month of December 4.7% up on last year and the 12 month tonnage total of 203,830 up 0.5% on the preceding 12 months. BAA said increased passenger numbers and the rise in the number of flights using Heathrow demonstrate the urgent need for extra capacity.

The Times backs Heathrow expansion
The Times has come out in support of a third runway at Heathrow. In a leading article it says approving a high-speed rail link from London to Birmingham is correct and courageous but scrapping plans to build a third runway at Heathrow is "mistaken and cowardly". Whatever the political constraints, the coalition must look again at expanding Heathrow, it says. Given the projected increase in passenger numbers, it argues that a new airport may be necessary in addition to an enlarged Heathrow. David Cameron's pre-election commitment to scrap Labour's plans for Heathrow was ill judged, it said.

Europe-wide group tackles EU airport plans
An organisation representing people living near airports in European countries has prepared a response to a European Commission consultation entitled "The Better Airports Package". UECNA, a network of European members and supporters, says the EU report is "not good news for us". The UECNA response includes a call for noise reduction targets based on World Health Organisation guidelines, an annual cap on total number of flights at each airport, and giving residents "interested parties" status in decisions about noise. The response will assist organisations in lobbying Members of the European Parliament before decisions are taken. The response has been written by UECNA President John Stewart. UECNA is offering free membership for a year.

UK air fares up 3% due to emissions rules
Air fares from the UK could increase by 3% on average and by as much as 5% for some long-haul flights due to the EU emissions trading scheme (ETS). The ETS would cost the global aviation industry an additional 3.5 billion euros a year, according to OAG, which provides aviation data. "Low-cost and short-haul airlines that have lower premium revenues, and particularly those with older aircraft fleets, will be more affected by ETS scheme across their business," said the report. The EU ETS will encourage flight paths to deviate from the shortest, most fuel-efficient, routes in order to avoid the EU's unilateral price hikes, which could result in more CO2 emissions, according to research by Civitas, an independent think tank, reports the Daily Telegraph. And fears are growing of a trade war between the EU and other leading countries over the ETS. Airlines in China are reportedly planning to refuse to pay the tax according to the China Air Transport Association.

Economy hits holiday plans…
Four out of ten Britons are taking fewer holidays than a year ago because of worries about the economy and the risk of losing their jobs. One in six people say they have stopped taking holidays and twice this number say they are staying in the UK rather than holidaying abroad. These are some of the findings in the Holiday Money Report from Post Office Travel Money, which says economic uncertainty has had a noticeable impact on holiday planning. One in ten holiday-makers is swapping long-haul for short-haul holidays to reduce the costs of flights.

…but 'staycations' boost trade
The weak pound has boosted Britain's trade position, helped by Britons taking fewer holidays abroad, according to the Bank of England. The Bank said in its Quarterly Bulletin that sterling's 25pc fall against a basket of currencies between mid-2007 and early 2009 had encouraged a shift towards exports and away from imports, contributing to a "significant narrowing" in the UK's trade deficit. SSE economics advisor Brian Ross described this as a powerful endorsement of an argument SSE has been making for many years, including at the 2007 Stansted Public Inquiry, where the Inspector dismissed the trade deficit issue as irrelevant.

Ryanair accuses BAA of 'profiteering'
Ryanair has criticised BAA for paying a dividend to investors by 'overcharging' passengers. The airline said BAA had doubled charges at Stansted and is distributing excess profit to shareholders. "BAA is an abusive airport monopoly which has engaged in significant overcharging and monopoly profiteering at Stansted," said a spokesman for Ryanair, which has again demanded the immediate sale of Stansted.

Regional airports struggling
The Government see a role for regional airports but many of them are struggling, says a report in the Financial Times. Plymouth airport has shut, a stake in Durham Tees Valley has been put up for sale and Humberside has been taken off the market because of lack of interest. Liverpool John Lennon, which has grown in the last decade, is losing KLM flights to Amsterdam and Leeds Bradford is trying to re-establish a connection to London that ended in 2009. Manchester is losing long-haul US traffic to Heathrow and Newcastle International's aim of 4.5 million passengers is a 'testing target'. Weaker, smaller players will struggle with the need for investment and further pressure from an increase in air passenger duty and the costs of the EU emissions trading scheme, says the paper.

Southend airport gets 'London' tag
EasyJet begins services from Southend Airport - now renamed London Southend Airport - in March. The Times speculates that the inaugural flight to Barcelona might be launched by Sally Gunnell who won gold in the 400m hurdles at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992.

Frankfurt airport protesters 'deceived'
"At least 5,000 people" protested at Frankfurt Airport because lawmakers in the German state of Hesse underestimated the noise pollution that would come from a new runway they approved. Residents feel they were deceived but there may be no solution and the noise is likely to increase. With its focus on creating growth and jobs, the state government had for years underestimated just how extensively noise from the airport expansion would impact local residents. A trauma surgeon who lives nearby said, "Aircraft noise triggers people's instinct for flight. Those who live under such conditions in the long term will definitely suffer damage to their health."

Calendar sell-out will boost SSE funds
Sales of Stop Stansted Expansion's latest Community Calendar have been a rip-roaring success this year with every copy now sold or accounted for in a race for remaining copies. The 2012 edition has literally leapt off the shelves. Said SSE Chairman Peter Sanders: "We could have sold many more calendars than the 2000 we produced and sincere thanks are due to all those who supported the initiative. The feedback from the community endorsing our ongoing work has been terrific, with so many people determined to support our vigilance against any possibility of a return of expansion plans." The proceeds from the calendars, sold by volunteers and more than 30 retail outlets across Herts and Essex, will be used by SSE in the year ahead to keep up the pressure on politicians as the Government determines a new aviation and night flights policy. SSE is pressing for a long-term moratorium on any new runways at Stansted and for BAA to be forced to sell back the 300 or so homes it still owns in the vicinity of the airport.

Book now for Broxted Quiz
Always a very popular event in the SSE calendar, the next Broxted Quiz will take place in Broxted Village Hall on Saturday 24th March. The £10 ticket includes a delicious supper, but you will need to provide your own drinks and glasses. Doors open at 7pm for a 7:30 start. Advanced booking is essential for this popular quiz. Teams of up to eight are invited to enter but individuals are more than welcome. You can book online at clarkatbroxted@hotmail.co.uk or phone Phyllis and Roger on 01279 850638

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