Airport slams "preposterous" report

BIRMINGHAM International Airport bosses today said a major report on climate change and aircraft is “London-centric” and “preposterous”. The firm spoke out after the Committee on Climate Change published its report this morning. An airport spokesperson said: “We are surprised and concerned that it seems to have adopted such a London-centric stance. “To advocate massive expansion in the South East, while denying regional airports such as Birmingham the chance to meet local demand.” It said the airport was 40 per cent full and could “could handle about another nine million passengers tomorrow”. It said: “Birmingham, together with other regional airports, are strategic national transport assets and it is time that they were recognised as such. “Ultimately, the whole of the UK should benefit from aviation expansion.” Solihull MP Lorely Burt today called for a planned high speed rail scheme to between London and Birmingham to stop at the airport. This was “crucial for the economy of the West Midlands, which has suffered the worst increase in unemployment and the greatest economic downturn of any region” she said. She said: “Coupled with the runway extension which will allow long haul flights, this will make BIA a truly international airport.” The train is expected to take 45 minutes between Birmingham and the capital.