Business leaders across the Liverpool city region have long backed calls for expansion of the the London hub and it opens up the real possibility of a hub link connecting LJLA to Heathrow. Tony McDonough reports.
Heathrow Airport has secured Government approval for a third runway – opening up the possibility of a hub route from Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA).
Business leaders across the Liverpool city region have long backed calls for expansion of the the London hub and Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has now given the go-ahead.
Heathrow has promised UK regions access to its worldwide hub if it were to secure approval for a third runway and said it will establish a £10m route development fund.
This would open up the possibility of strategic routes to UK regional airports, including LJLA.
Liverpool and Sefton Chambers chief executive, Jenny Stewart, told YBNews: “This is welcome news. Now let’s get on with it to ensure our regional airports are connected to the world.”
It a statement LJLA said Liverpool needs to access global connectivity to better meet the needs of the region it serves and that a an expanded Heathrow would offer the opportunity for unserved UK airports such as Liverpool, to further grow their networks.
LJLA chief executive Andrew Cornish added: “Liverpool John Lennon Airport welcomes this news and will continue to support Heathrow’s proposals ahead of a final decision due next year, so that regional airports such as Liverpool can benefit by the future opening up of access to the UK’s hub airport for improved worldwide connectivity.”
A Heathrow spokesperson added: “We welcome the news that Heathrow is the Government’s preferred site for a new runway and look forward to hearing the full details later from the Transport Secretary.
“Expansion of Heathrow is the only option that will connect all the UK to global growth, helping to build a stronger and fairer economy.
“We await the full details, but Heathrow stands ready to work with Government, businesses, airlines and our local communities to deliver an airport that is fair, affordable and secures the benefits of expansion for the whole of the UK.”