Latest Press Releases
| SNP SEEK ASSURANCES OVER SCOTTISH AIR LINKS |
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| Monday, 07 November 2011 00:00 |
 Angus has expressed concern for the future of Scottish air links to Heathrow following news that International Airlines Group (IAG), which owns British Airways, is to buy British Midland (BMI). The move means that BA will, in effect, have a monopoly on routes to Heathrow from Scotland’s three largest cities, including the Aberdeen-Heathrow route which is extremely important for business in Moray, as well as providing a critical connection for onward international flights out of London. The SNP Group at Westminster is raising concerns with the regulator over the move. Angus Robertson MP said: “ Valuable air links between Scotland and Heathrow have already been lost, and if BA takes over its only rival, then the remaining slots will clearly be at risk. We must have real guarantees that further domestic slots will not be lost. “ These air links between Heathrow and Aberdeen in particular are vital for Moray’s economic growth and for bringing tourists into the region. We need action to protect these slots as well as the jobs and investment that they support. The UK Government and regulators must step in to protect these links. " Recovery in the aviation sector is fragile so everything must be done to ensure this is not affected. It would be extremely worrying if the result was less flights or higher prices. “ Connectivity is an issue that is regularly raised by local businesses and that includes critical air connections. We must have proper protection on these vital routes.” |
