Building a second runway at Gatwick would benefit passengers who want to “party in Cancun” at the expense of the UK economy, according to Heathrow CEO.
According to a report commissioned by Heathrow Airport, the creation of the runway could boost Britain’s gross domestic product (GDP) by up to £24,480 per family over a 60-year period.
In comparison, the study carried out by the Centre for Economic and Business Research, estimated that a second runway at Gatwick airport would produce a lift of just £13,280 over the same period.
Rival plans for expansion projects at both airports are being considered by ministers, with a long-awaited decision expected in the coming weeks.
Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye delivered a speech to the Westminster Policy Forum, where he said:
“Mexico is a key emerging market. 120 million consumers, hungry for British goods and expertise. We should be developing stronger trade links. You can get there from both Heathrow and Gatwick”.
“From Gatwick, you can get a seasonal flight to Cancun, the party capital of Mexico, or so I’m told”.
“But at Heathrow you get a daily service, all year round, to Mexico City, the business capital. A city the size of London, but growing at almost 5% a year. In fact you can fly with Aeromexico or BA, that’s real competition and choice for passengers”, he said.
“These flights carry executives from Diageo visiting their international operations, inward tourists and students, as well as foreign direct investors, such as Cemex. These links are the lifeblood of a stronger economy”.
“Now I’m sure we’d all love to go and party in Cancun, but unless we have the jobs and a strong economy, it will only be the very few who will be able to afford to”, he added.