Manufacturing premises in Local Enterprise Area Bristol call for Birmingham long-haul flight re-think

A change in policy could mean an increase in business leading to growth and expansion. Which in turn would benefit the wider community of the West Midlands.

Jerry Blackett, chief executive of the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Group, said the situation was costing the region – and country as a whole – jobs and growth.

Mr Blackett, giving evidence to MPs at the Transport Select Committee’s inquiry into the UK’s aviation sector, said the demand from businesses for more regional services was clear but gaining access to some of the high growth markets was not easy.

The chamber is advocating for an extension of services at Birmingham Airport, which currently has surplus capacity.

Mr Blackett said: “The demand is there from businesses in the Midlands for direct services to high-growth markets.

“Rather than listening to the needs of businesses and passengers, aviation policy is currently dictated by the airlines. As a result, businesses in the Midlands are not being given the opportunity to compete in the global marketplace and it is costing the country jobs and growth.”

The chamber head said he heard from businesses on a virtual daily basis who were crying out for long-haul flights to places such as India and China.

Mr Blackett added “My message is clear – Birmingham and the wider Midlands region are ready to trade with the world and we need airlines to start connecting us to it.”

This is an extremely pressing matter for the Midlands, one that is potentially curtailing a substantial amount of income. It is a matter that looks to be brought to the forefront of conversation and one which would enhance the already highly lucrative prospects of the Midlands.

Source: The Business Desk