Branson encourages Heathrow four-runway plan

Virgin founder Richard Branson has said that he is in favour of the Heathrow four-runway idea.

Travel Insurance News - 11/07/2012

<< RAC and ACE team up for new travel insurance effort | Travel News | Monarch opens new Leeds Bradford base >>

Virgin founder Richard Branson has said that he is in favour of the Heathrow four-runway idea.

However, the Virgin Atlantic shareholder said in an interview with reporters from the Guardian that he was not sure that the scheme is feasible, although he went on to say that any airport review is sure to show that the South East is in dire need of at least “a couple” of additional runways.

Branson also criticised transport secretary Justine Greening for her recent effort to delay the tabling of the government’s official review for assessing Britain’s need for a hub airport. Greening had originally said that the paper was to be published in the summer but reports say it will now be issued in the autumn.

The four-runway idea, backed by the Tory MP-backed Free Enterprise Group, is a better plan for the local economy than the Boris Johnson-championed Thames Estuary airport scheme, Branson also claimed. He said that if Heathrow – “the biggest employer” – were to shut that it would have “devastating” impacts on the surrounding housing market and area economy.

The news comes amid reports that Tory MPs that were previously staunch opponents of Heathrow are beginning to change sides. However, Hacan, the Heathrow residents campaign organisation, has said that such officials are “fighting the tide” if they think that adding two or even one additional runway is feasible.

<< RAC and ACE team up for new travel insurance effort | Travel News | Monarch opens new Leeds Bradford base >>