THE Freight Transport Association (FTA) is again urging the government to make a speedy decision with respect to expanding London Heathrow Airport by building a third runway. FTA director of global and European policy, Chris Welsh, was quoted as saying in a report by UK Haulier: "FTA is once again calling on Government to make a decision as quickly as possible regarding the expansion of Heathrow. Despite the clear recommendation made four months ago in the Davies Commission Report for a third runway a government decision has yet to be made.

"It is clear that other business leaders recognise the urgency of expansion at the airport. Air freight is essential to the future success of the UK economy, and additional capacity with a third runway is critical to allow importers and exporters to access new emerging markets in Asia, South America and the Indian sub-continent.

"Heathrow is a world-class air cargo hub, and it is vital that is it able to expand to meet the demands of UK importers and exporters to enhance connectivity to emerging overseas markets."

In July, the final report from the Davies Commission concluded that Heathrow was the best option for expansion because of the economic benefits for the whole country, which included GBP147 billion (US$223.08 billion) in economic growth over the next 60 years and the creation of 70,000 new jobs by 2050.