London First

Access to high quality international air travel is vital for business in the capital. London is a leading world city and its international links have always been one of its greatest assets.

Adequate airport runway capacity is critical to the competitive position of London in a global economy. Current capacity is insufficient to meet forecast demand. London First is working to identify increases to capacity that address business needs and environmental concerns.

Imagine a world class Heathrow

In recent years the poor quality of the passenger experience at Heathrow - London’s principal business airport - has posed a sustained threat to London, and the UK, as a fulcrum of the global economy.

A London First-commissioned study of the regulatory controls governing Heathrow airport identifies key symptoms of ‘Heathrow Hassle’ - flight delays, long and unreliable waiting times, deteriorating airport buildings and distorted economic incentives - and suggests potential short and medium term solutions to restore Heathrow to world class status.

The report was carried out by London Economics and steered by a group of the capital's business leaders. We consulted widely with business, the aviation industry and other stakeholders on the issues we identified.

Report summary (June 2008)
Full research report (June 2008)
Final conclusions (November 2008)

Airport regulation

We have campaigned for a fundamental reform of regulation to put the passenger first. We were pleased that the Government this year consulted on proposals to overhaul the regulatory regime, and committed as part of that consultation to give the regulator a new primary duty to further the interests of passengers.

London First's latest response to the Government's economic review of UK airports.

Airport expansion

London business believes airport expansion - critical to UK competitiveness - must be preceded by, and contingent upon, changes to both airports regulation and policy.  These changes are essential in order to prevent further decline in passenger service and unacceptable impacts on the local environment. 

If a third runway at Heathrow is to deliver for passengers, underpin London’s status as a leading world city and support the UK's global competitiveness, Heathrow needs to deliver world class performance - in terms of international reach, in passenger service and in its performance against local and global environmental measures.

Jo Valentine letter to the Evening Standard published on 14th October, 2009 

Proposal for the development of Heathrow - our response to Government's consultation on Heathrow expansion


For more information contact Rob Fox