Global airline alliances want to stay at Heathrow
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The three major global airline alliances – Oneworld, Star and SkyTeam – have all announced their support for Heathrow airport, increasing its chances of successfully gaining a third runway.
The organisations, which include carriers like British Airways (BA), Singapore Airlines and Lufthansa, have all voiced their support for staying in west London, reported the Financial Times today.
The last couple of weeks have seen around 50 proposals submitted to the Airports Commission, which will be considered by Sir Howard Davies before he puts his recommendations to government.
BA, which is currently based at Heathrow, has made it clear that it wants to stay at the airport and Oneworld has said its views reflect that of its main alliance member. Star Alliance plans to move many of its members – including United Airlines – into Heathrow’s Terminal 2, which is due to open next year so thus would also be against moving.
“This will allow us to effectively compete with the other alliances in Heathrow and add to the quality of our services and therefore we do not see any opportunity for us to make a change to another airport,” a statement from Star read.
In a letter to Sir Howard Davies, Tae Joon Kim, SkyTeam’s vice president of airport services wrote: “Relocating to another London or UK airport is not an option for our members.”
Gatwick, which has itself proposed a new runway, is trying to lure one of the alliances away from Heathrow, however it has as yet not been unsuccessful.
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