In an interview with Dow Jones, Colin Matthews, chief executive of BAA, which owns London Heathrow and four other UK airports, has voiced his belief that Heathrow will be able to remain competitive with two runways for at least another decade. This claim comes amid numerous statements in the past few weeks that the airport is full and the lack of expansion means the UK is in danger of being overlooked as a major European hub.
Matthews said the expansion of British Airways at Heathrow and its Oneworld partners, gives Heathrow an advantage over rival airports in Europe.
Matthews also added that he believed BAA could reach a consensus with airlines over future charges at Heathrow and will publish a business plan to this effect later this year.
BAA chief claims Heathrow is viable for next ten years
