Airport Operators Association Media Release
For immediate release - 11 March 2010
AVIATION AND HIGH SPEED RAIL BOTH PART OF FUTURE UK NETWORK SAYS AOA
- AOA welcomes Rail White Paper as a ‘starting point’ but not an alternative
Responding to the High Speed Rail White Paper, published today, AOA Chairman, Ed Anderson said, “We welcome the publication of this White Paper which clearly shows that High Speed Rail is not a replacement for short-haul aviation. The UK needs a coherent transport system that allows consumers a choice based on cost, convenience and environmental impact.”
“Regional air access to London is still vital in attracting inward investment, especially for those cities that are not on the proposed line or cross water routes. In 2008 more than 1 million people travelled between Belfast and London via air and over 17,000 people travelled between Aberdeen and Exeter. These journeys simply cannot be substituted by High Speed Rail.’’
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Notes to Editors:
- The Airport Operators Association (AOA) is the trade association that represents the interests of British airports. Our membership comprises 72 airport companies, representing all of the nation's international hub and major regional airports in addition to many serving community, business and general aviation.
- The High Speed Rail White Paper will be published on Thursday 11th March. It is expected to contain a detialed proposal of the route from London to Birmingham and options for line development north of Birmingham.
- For further information, and for media requests, please contact David Bishop (Head of Policy) on 07917 681940.