Freight Transport Association says airport expansion is much needed

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) said the interim report published today underlines the need for new airport capacity in the south east.

The three shortlisted options include a third runway at Heathrow, lengthening an existing runway at Heathrow and a new runway at Gatwick.

Chris Welsh, FTA's General Manager said: "We welcome the report’s confirmation that there is a need for additional runway capacity in the south east, something FTA has long called for. his additional runway capacity is urgently needed to enhance the global air cargo hub status of Heathrow.

"Maintaining a global hub located in the UK is vital to the economy and our international competitiveness is likely to be impaired unless current airport capacity is expanded to cater for growth in international trade.”