West Midland business leaders are calling on the Government to invest more in regional airports rather than trying to revive London’s declining flight connections and full capacity.
Commenting on British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) latest aviation survey, which says that businesses see direct air links as vital to maintaining the UK’s prospects in global markets, Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Group (BCCG) says Birmingham Airport is a viable solution to the South East’s aviation capacity constraints.
The BCC survey found that 92 per cent of business leaders in high growth economies say direct flights are important to inward investment decisions while 62 per cent say they will only invest in the UK if flight connections are improved.
Mike Ward, president of BCCG said: “Birmingham Airport can easily double its passenger numbers and when the runway extension is completed in 2014/15, business travellers will be able to take advantage of more direct flights.
“Birmingham Airport is the jewel in the UK’s crown that just needs a little polish, rather than the Government putting major investment into yet another airport in the South East.
“It is vital that cities such as Birmingham can attract foreign investment so that we can grow our economy and create private sector jobs. Aviation is vital to this growth and the runway extension which is only two years from fruition, will allow us to access new markets.
“Operators such as Turkish Airlines already fly to over 180 destinations worldwide from Birmingham Airport.
“Birmingham has so many more opportunities for business travellers and we are confident that our Airport can absorb a significant proportion of the demand from the rampant overcrowded South East.”
“A balanced and sustainable economy making maximum use of regional airports is what will encourage overseas business investment decisions.”
Interview requests:
For interviews on this press release, please call Birmingham Chamber Group’s media hotline: 0121 450 4228.
Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Group:
Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Group is one of the UK’s oldest and largest Chambers. It has nearly 3,000 member companies that employ over 200,000 plus affiliate organisations representing 15,000 people. It offers extensive services to industry and commerce, having served the interests of business for nearly three centuries, promoting trade locally, nationally and internationally.
Members of Birmingham Chamber Group: Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, Burton & District Chamber, Chase Chamber, Lichfield & Tamworth Chamber, Solihull Chamber, The Institute of Asian Businesses, British American Business Council and the Chamber Executive Club.