THE UK government has supported plans to build a third runway at London Heathrow Airport. The UK Cabinet's economic sub-committee approved the plans before the proposals were backed by the full cabinet.
The UK Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling said: 'A successful, thriving aviation sector is critical to our ability as a nation to succeed, which is why we are developing a strategy to help it grow in a sustainable way.'
Members of parliament (MPs) of all parties will be asked to vote on the plans in the coming weeks, reported London's Air Cargo News.
The news was cautiously welcomed by freight forwarders, with British International Freight Association (BIFA) director general Robert Keen expressing hope that the 'news is the beginning of the end of years of procrastination over the expansion of UK aviation capacity.
'If that is the case, it is long overdue good news for our 1,500 member companies who have been dismayed over the ongoing delay on such a huge issue.
'However, we understand that MPs will now be asked to vote on the issue in the coming weeks and, given the track record of parliament on this issue over the last 20 years, uncertainties remain.
'Whilst the UK Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has previously hinted at an expedited planning procedure, with no reopening of high level arguments, the inevitable legal challenges and the convoluted planning processes that are also likely, lead me to wonder whether any expansion will be completed by the time that UK aviation capacity is predicted to run out in 2025.
'I hope I am proved wrong, but I won't be booking a ticket for the opening ceremony just yet.'
Heathrow chief executive John Holland Kaye said: 'Together with our supporters across the country, we urge all MPs to vote for expansion.
'Their votes will connect all of Britain to global trade, increase competition and choice for passengers and create tens of thousands of new skilled jobs for future generations. The world is waiting for Britain. It's time to vote for Heathrow expansion.'
The UK's Freight Transport Association also called on parliament to vote in favour of the plan.
'British exporters and importers rely on the global network of passenger flights at Heathrow which carry British goods in their holds, to provide access to markets outside Europe,' said FTA's deputy chief executive James Hookham.
'If Britain is to diversify its economy away from European trade after Brexit, business will need increased capacity at the country's main cargo hub - Heathrow - and the timing of the announcement will strengthen the nation's attractiveness to potential trading partners.
'MPs now need to ensure that the decision can be ratified in the next 21 days for the good of British business.
'Currently, air freight represents around 40 per cent by value of the UK's imports and exports and its importance can only increase as the UK looks to replace European trading opportunities with economies further afield after Brexit.'
The UK Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling said: 'A successful, thriving aviation sector is critical to our ability as a nation to succeed, which is why we are developing a strategy to help it grow in a sustainable way.'
Members of parliament (MPs) of all parties will be asked to vote on the plans in the coming weeks, reported London's Air Cargo News.
The news was cautiously welcomed by freight forwarders, with British International Freight Association (BIFA) director general Robert Keen expressing hope that the 'news is the beginning of the end of years of procrastination over the expansion of UK aviation capacity.
'If that is the case, it is long overdue good news for our 1,500 member companies who have been dismayed over the ongoing delay on such a huge issue.
'However, we understand that MPs will now be asked to vote on the issue in the coming weeks and, given the track record of parliament on this issue over the last 20 years, uncertainties remain.
'Whilst the UK Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has previously hinted at an expedited planning procedure, with no reopening of high level arguments, the inevitable legal challenges and the convoluted planning processes that are also likely, lead me to wonder whether any expansion will be completed by the time that UK aviation capacity is predicted to run out in 2025.
'I hope I am proved wrong, but I won't be booking a ticket for the opening ceremony just yet.'
Heathrow chief executive John Holland Kaye said: 'Together with our supporters across the country, we urge all MPs to vote for expansion.
'Their votes will connect all of Britain to global trade, increase competition and choice for passengers and create tens of thousands of new skilled jobs for future generations. The world is waiting for Britain. It's time to vote for Heathrow expansion.'
The UK's Freight Transport Association also called on parliament to vote in favour of the plan.
'British exporters and importers rely on the global network of passenger flights at Heathrow which carry British goods in their holds, to provide access to markets outside Europe,' said FTA's deputy chief executive James Hookham.
'If Britain is to diversify its economy away from European trade after Brexit, business will need increased capacity at the country's main cargo hub - Heathrow - and the timing of the announcement will strengthen the nation's attractiveness to potential trading partners.
'MPs now need to ensure that the decision can be ratified in the next 21 days for the good of British business.
'Currently, air freight represents around 40 per cent by value of the UK's imports and exports and its importance can only increase as the UK looks to replace European trading opportunities with economies further afield after Brexit.'