Stating they "remain convinced that third runway is only viable way of meeting need for extra capacity"
Following reports that airport operator BAA 'bowed to opposition to a third runway at Heathrow' a spokesperson for the organisation issued a statement clarifying their position.
He said, "We remain convinced that a third runway is the only viable, costed and thought through way of meeting the need for extra runway capacity to maintain this country's global connections to the rest of the world, particularly in an era where long haul links to markets such as China and India are increasingly important.
"The process of putting in a planning application is complex, particularly given the new planning structure put in place as recently as October 1st.
"The process was always going to take until after the general election. We continue to work on the application and will take as long as is necessary to prepare a proper submission."
According to reports earlier this week, senior BAA figures told the Conservatives the company will cease to fight for the third runway if they form the next government.
Theresa Villiers, the shadow transport secretary, said: “Last week BAA conveyed to us at our party conference that it will not be submitting a planning application before the election. It seems BAA has woken up to the fact that we mean what we say on Heathrow and that if we win the general election there will be no third runway.”
October 16, 2009