easyJet Profile

Paul Simmons, easyJet’s UK General Manager, said:

“easyJet believes that airlines, passengers and local residents have the right to clear answers and a chance to make their voice heard as part of a public enquiry before any decision is taken on City’s unnecessary spending spree.”

Copy of the open letter below:

Dear Mr Poots,

I am writing to you regarding easyJet’s concern over the current planning application for the extension to the runway at George Best Belfast City Airport, which is currently under consideration by your department.

easyJet is Northern Irelands largest airline, operating from both Belfast International and Belfast City and I strongly believe airlines, passengers and local residents have the right to clear answers, and a chance to make their voice heard as part of a public enquiry before any decision is taken on City’s unnecessary spending spree.

There can simply be no credence to any decision to back the runway extension until a regional Aviation Strategy has been agreed and what Northern Ireland needs right now is a strategic review on optimal runway capacity overall for the Belfast Market.

We therefore would like your response to the following five questions:

* Why does the Northern Ireland Government consider it necessary to create more airport capacity when there is no shortage in Northern Ireland?
* Considering that major airlines such as easyJet, BMI and Flybe already operate from City’s existing runway, where does the Environment Ministry see the benefit of a runway extension at City Airport?
* Considering that only one airline appears to favour the extension, what guarantees does the Ministry have that this airline will continue to fly from City airport?
* How much will the runway extension cost?
* Will passengers of airlines which oppose this unnecessary investment be forced to pay for it via higher airport costs?

I look forward to hearing from you in due course.

Yours Sincerely

Paul Simmons
UK General Manager

(c) Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation. Date posted: 15-Dec-09