Former airline executive wants Heathrow replacement in Kent
08.08.11
A former Cathay Pacific executive wants to build a £15 billion airport in the marshy flatlands of North Kent to replace Heathrow, AOL reports. The concept of an airport in Kent has already won the backing of London Mayor Boris Johnson.
John Olsen wants to turn a barren site at Cliffe into a three-runway airport capable of handling 100 million passengers a year. He claims that the new 'London Gateway Airport', as it would be known, would cost £35 billion less than a recent rival scheme by architect Norman Foster, based in the Thames Estuary, which has won the support of London Mayor Boris Johnson. It would also take less time to complete - 10 years rather than 15 for the Thames Estuary plans.
Mr Olsen is frustrated that Heathrow is operating at 98% capacity with no potential for expansion in the short-term, and believes that the Government has the opportunity to rebuild Britain's aviation reputation at the site in Kent. The 600 acre site is already owned by the Government through the Port of London Authority, and is just 30 miles from central London with good transport links to the city.
He pushing the plan via the Independent Aviation Advisory Group (IAAG), which is reported to already had preliminary talks with potential backers and no taxpayer money would be required.
To book heathrow airport hotels or heathrow airport parking at the lowest price, click on these links to two great heathrow airport car parking and heathrow airport hotel price comparison pages.
