Developing an Aviation Policy Framework

1. Developing an Aviation Policy Framework John Parkinson / Lucy Gordon Department for Transport

2. Aviation Policy Framework • Aviation is one of the five priorities in DfT’s Business Plan: Promote sustainable aviation: create a sustainable framework for aviation in the UK, improve passenger experience at airports and maintain high standards of safety and security for passengers and freight. • The policy framework will complement the South East Airports Taskforce and reforms to airport economic regulation.

3. Ministerial statements – major London airports • “We will cancel the third runway at Heathrow. • We will refuse permission for additional runways at Gatwick and Stansted.” The Coalition: our programme for government, May 2010 • “I am announcing the establishment of a South East Airports Task Force with key players from across the industry to explore the scope for other measures to help make the most of existing airport infrastructure and improve conditions for all users…its initial focus will be on action at our three biggest airports - Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted.” Philip Hammond, WMS, 15 June 2010

4. Ministerial statements - regulatory reform • “In the Queen’s Speech the Government announced its intention to reform the framework for the economic regulation of airports…I plan to introduce a new set of duties for the Civil Aviation Authority's (CAA) economic regulation of airports which will put the interests of passengers unambiguously at the heart of the regime.” Philip Hammond, WMS, 21 July 2010

5. Ministerial statements – Heathrow operations • “I can confirm that we remain firmly committed to retaining runway alternation and will not approve the introduction of mixed mode operations at Heathrow. • We …do not intend to re-open the decision [to end the Cranford agreement] .”  Theresa Villiers, WMS, 7 September 2010

6. Ministerial statements – policy framework • “I recognise the need for a policy framework which supports economic growth and protects Heathrow’s status as a global hub as well as addressing aviation’s environmental impacts, and it is my intention to develop such a policy framework over the next year or so… • we will open a dialogue with a wide range of stakeholders to seek their views and to draw on their knowledge and experience.” Philip Hammond, AOA Conference, 25 October 2010

7. Timetable • Nov 10 – Jan 11: Informal engagement with representative stakeholders (OGDs, DAs, CAA, NATS, EAG, Taskforce, LAs, London Mayor) • March 11: Publish scoping document • March – Sept 11: Consult on scoping document • July 11: Publish CCC response (& SEAT report) • March 12: Publish draft framework • March – June 12: Consult on draft framework • March 13: Adopt framework

8. Initial ministerial views on framework • High-level document setting out principles and objectives • Not another ATWP - but will replace it and be material consideration for planning decisions • Needs to be consistent with government priorities to return UK economy to sustainable growth and build a low-carbon, balanced economy

9. Initial proposal for scoping document • Asks strategic questions focused on the role of aviation in supporting economic growth and delivering low carbon goals • Also covers non-CO2 and local environmental impacts • Does not cover airport economic regulation and aviation security as already in hand (but cross-refers as needed) • Looks at the medium term (e.g. to 2030) and the long term (e.g. to 2050) • Asks respondents to supply relevant evidence

10. Questionsfor discussion today • Are themes of economic growth, low-carbon / climate change, and local environment the right ones? • What strategic questions should we ask under each theme? • What relevant evidence do you have? • What is most important function of policy framework for you (e.g. planning, information)?