British Airways boss thinks MPs will fail to sort out air capacity
THE HEAD of British Airways’ parent company does not think the government’s latest attempt to tackle airport expansion in Britain will come up with a concrete plan.
“I think the decision of the government to establish the Davies Commission has been seen by some, maybe seen by many, as a step in the right direction. Personally, I’m not optimistic,” IAG boss Willie Walsh told the transport select committee yesterday.
“I think if you look at the history of these commissions… the issue is too difficult for politicians and governments to deal with. We’re planning our business on the basis that there will be no change to the capacity at the airports that we operate at in London.”
He noted that Dubai airport will overtake Heathrow as the world’s biggest international airport “within two to three years”.
His gloomy comments came as the London Assembly kicked off its own consultation on air travel. The assembly has already said it will oppose a third runway at Heathrow.