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The document is refreshingly transparent about the scale of the challenge to improve the position of air freight.
The Freight Transport Association (FTA) – the UK’s biggest transport trade body – says the Government’s newly-announced consultation on aviation strategy shows ministers recognise the importance of air cargo to the UK economy.
One of the themes of the Department for Transport’s call for evidence from stakeholders is global connections, which has huge relevance for freight. FTA had been pressing the Government for a speedy decision on a third runway in the south east and supports Heathrow’s expansion plan as the UK’s only truly global freight hub.
Alex Veitch, FTA’s Head of Air Cargo Policy, said: “FTA is delighted to see the key role of the air cargo sector recognised in the consultation paper. In 2015, goods worth around £160 billion were shipped by air between the UK and non-EU countries. Air was the only mode where exports were greater than imports. This represented over 40% of the UK’s extra-EU trade by value and shows the importance of aviation to our global trade. The report also acknowledges the importance of Heathrow to the air freight market, and its potential for growth was an important argument for supporting the proposed expansion there.” Read more
Source: FREIGHT TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION
