The ongoing discussion about the prospect of a third runway at Heathrow Airport is one that divides opinion with quick efficiency, and stimulates heated debate soon after. Yet, to those who are eager to focus on the proposed economic benefits of its Juicy clothesexpansion, the latest addition to this side of the argument – as has recently been highlighted by BA CEO Willie Walsh – is that it could significantly help the economy of Scotland.
As has been reported by The Scotsman, in a speech to the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Walsh argued that no third runway at Heathrow will ‘lead to an inevitable erosion of Scottish services in the future’. He pointed out that in relation to its competitor airport hubs, i.e. Paris, Frankfurt and Amsterdam, it is distinctly lacking in current runway space london links – a fact that is all the more pertinent when one acknowledges that it is running at 99 percent capacity.
His argument is against that of both the Liberal Democrats (whom refer to the expansion as: ‘the worst environmental decision the government have made in 11 years’) and the Conservatives. Former Conservative MP and current Mayor of London has also expressed his opposition to the expansion plans, and has backed a feasibility study into whether an offshore development off the Isle of Sheppey may be a more suitable area for a new London airport. Juicy Jewelry
However, Walsh seems to be operating on a shorter time frame than that which would be seen should a new London airport need to be built. At a time when BA have announced a reduced timetable to Scotland over the winter, he specified that alongside the need for an immediate expansion to the number of flights to China, India and South America, Scotland is also central to the importance of a third runway – which should be developed as well as a number of other potential subsidiary transport investments such as high speed rail links and Heathrow airport parking.
Aside from the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties, Walsh’s arguments have also fostered significant opposition from those who commented on The Scotsman website. In contradiction to Walsh, they argue for more development on Scottish airports including Glasgow International Airport, Edinburgh Airport and Aberdeen Airport – instead of simply using Scotland to as an excuse to boost London’s economy from international flight traffic that must land near the capital. Juicy Couture