p33 air dec5 2/12/08 18:51 Page 33
ttglive.com
air news
Hoon to rule on third
runway before Xmas
Chris Gray.
Heathrow operator BAA has already
TRANSPORT secretary Geoff Hoon has invited the government to set up an
confirmed he will announce a decision independent body to limit flight
on a third runway at Heathrow before increases on environmental grounds,
Christmas – and industry insiders are and said it would stick to those limits
convinced he will give it the go-ahead. even if a third runway were built.
Hoon has been meeting a wide range BAA’s claims were met with disbelief
of aviation industry representatives by Mike Greenacre, managing director
LES IS MORE: Former England since taking over transport in October. Geoff Hoon MP of the Co-operative Travel Group.
and Queens Park Rangers striker Publicly, he has been keeping He said BAA had promised to accept
Les Ferdinand has launched Gulf tight-lipped about a decision, but one airline restrictions on Heathrow’s growth before but
Air’s “Football in the Community” initiative. source who met him said he was “clearly gearing then gone back on its pledges.
Gulf Air, which sponsors QPR, nicknamed up” for the runway to go ahead. “People are very quick to forget BAA’s
The Hoops, held a five-day football coaching The government has previously made it clear promises and retractions,” he said. “In 1999 they
camp in Bahrain run by professional that it supports the economic case for a third said that they would not ask for a third runway if
coaches from the club this week. Ferdinand runway, but has come under pressure from more Terminal 5 was approved, and yet here we are
said: “Football can bring people together.” than 50 backbench MPs and the Conservatives. facing the very real prospect of the government
Gulf Air chief executive Bjorn Naf said the Hoon confirmed to parliament last week that a approving a third runway development.”
venture aimed to teach participants, decision would be announced before the recess, Earlier this year, Greenacre’s company opposed
particular children, about teamwork. which starts on December 18. the runway as part of its ethical strategy.
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05.12.2008 33
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