Heathrow and Gatwick await historic verdict
HEATHROW and Gatwick were gearing up for a media circus last night, ahead of publication of the biggest decision in the history of modern British aviation.
The Davies Commission will this morning announce which of the two London airports will be expanded, with Gatwick hoping to build an extra runway and Heathrow looking at building a third runway, or extending one of its existing runways.
Gatwick yesterday contacted various press outlets to flag up interview opportunities with its chief exec and finance chief, and said it would be hosting broadcast media at the airport. The airport also distributed CGI animation of its plans for a second runway.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Heathrow told City A.M. that the airport’s boss, John Holland-Kaye, would be busy with press interviews scheduled for most of the day.
Neither airport commented on the likely outcome.
Both Gatwick and Heathrow have been campaigning over the past 18 months to be chosen for expansion.
WHAT ARE THE CHOICES AND THE COSTS?
THE DECISION MAKERS
SIR HOWARD DAVIES
CHAIR
PROFESSOR RICKY BURDETT
Professor at LSE
VIVIENNE COX
Non exec at Rio Tinto, Pearson, Vallourec
SIR JOHN ARMITT CBE
Chairman National Express Group, chaired Olympic Delivery Authority
PROFESSOR DAME JULIA KING
Held senior positions at Rolls Royce