HEATHROW ‘DISAPPOINTMENT’ BUT AIRPORT LOOKS TO THE FUTURE

News that the bmi British Midland service between Durham Tees Valley and London Heathrow is falling victim to the economic crisis facing the airline industry has been described as ‘deeply disappointing’ by airport chiefs—but they have stressed they want to continue talking about resuming services in the future…as well as looking at all other options for links to London.

It’s been announced today that bmi is significantly reducing its regional services into Heathrow—including the loss of the flights from both Durham Tees Valley and Leeds Bradford. Hugh Lang, Group Airports Director with Peel Airports, says it’s a reflection of the major problems facing many airlines but he says there is still a substantial demand—and need—for links between regions such as the North of England and London and the wider international air network.

Said Mr Lang “It would be foolish for us to express anything other than deep disappointment at this development—especially since we have had such a long and successful relationship with bmi. Of course, we understand the huge pressures they are facing as a result of both the general economic climate and the specific difficulties they have highlighted arising from the actions of BAA in imposing charges at Heathrow which undermine the ability to maintain regional services—and the impact of the punitive Air Passenger Duty charges--but we are anxious to maintain a dialogue with them on possibilities in the future.

“I am sure that our disappointment will be shared by all those involved in working to drive forward the economic regeneration of the Tees Valley and the wider region—especially since so many of our companies operate within a global marketplace.

“I am equally sure that the business community, our local authorities and development agencies will do everything possible to support us in examining all possible options for maintaining links into London and services to the rest of the world—and making clear to Government the potential damage caused to regional regeneration policies because of issues such as the BAA charging regime and the impact of Air Passenger Duty.”

The last services will operate on 28 March 2009.