Heathrow

On the subject of how to reach obscure parts of China and sub-Saharan Africa, Chris Baker-Brian has become something of an expert in recent years. As co-founder and chief technology officer of BBOXX, which hires solar-powered energy packs to homes and businesses on monthly payment plans, he has made 11 overseas trips during the past year. He knows the difference that a direct flight can make to a business schedule, without valuable hours being wasted in departure lounges waiting for a connecting flight. Baker, 29, has based his business in Chiswick, West London, for its proximity to Heathrow. Yet in spite of London’s prime airport being one of the world’s biggest hub airports, at present only one of his three regular African destinations can be reached directly.

Many people claim to speak on behalf of the residents of the Heathrow area, suggesting how much better it would be if they did not have one of the world’s busiest international airports as a neighbour. But what of the residents themselves? For most, Heathrow is not just an airport but the lifeblood of their communities. According to a recent opinion poll 57 per cent of residents in the 12 constituencies surrounding Heathrow said that they felt ‘positive’ towards the airport, and only 8 per cent said they felt negative feelings. It shouldn’t come as a surprise. For many Heathrow brings in the monthly salary.

Where to build a desperately-needed extra runway in the South East is of course a matter in which local residents will deservedly have a say. But more than that, it is an issue of national importance. More and more people are coming to the conclusion that it is at Heathrow that expansion makes most sense. Take the South West. By the time the expansion of Heathrow is complete, a new rail link from Heathrow to the Great Western main line will allow trains to access the airport directly from Reading and beyond. Electrification of the line will bring faster trains, turning Heathrow into a local airport for the South West. The rail link will provide direct services, too, to South Wales, Oxford. The Midlands will be accessible by changing trains at Old Oak Common.