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Heathrow Airport

Volume 471: debated on Monday 4 February 2008

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if she will publish the research informing the assumptions made on the fleet mix expected to be using Heathrow in 2020 in (a) the Project for the Sustainable Development of Heathrow study, (b) the consultation document “Adding Capacity at Heathrow” and (c) in the work done to prepare for 2003 White Paper on the Future of Air Transport; (170701)

(2) in what respect the assumptions made on the fleet mix expected to be using Heathrow in 2020 used in the Project for the Sustainable Development of Heathrow Study differ from those used in the work done to prepare for the 2003 White Paper on the Future of Air Transport.

The basis of air traffic forecasts and fleet mix assumptions for both (a) and (b) is explained in annex C of the consultation document “Adding Capacity at Heathrow Airport”. The fleet profile for modelling purposes was based on BAA’s fleet mix assumptions, informed by historic trends on fleet replacement and discussions with major airlines about likely future trends. The predicted fleet profile in future years is illustrated in the supporting technical reports—for example, the “Emission Summaries and Emissions Methodology” reports, and chapter 2 and table 2.3 in the “Revised Future Aircraft Noise Exposure Estimates” report by the Civil Aviation Authority. All these documents are available via the Department’s website:

www.dft.gov.uk/heathrowconsultation

Fleet mix assumptions at the time of the White Paper are set out in the equivalent CAA report 0307 (December 2003).