Virgin Atlantic, British Airways parent IAG, the Heathrow Airline Operators' Committee (AOC), and the Arora hotel group have all joined forces against the UK's busiest airport's regulatory regime as, "instead of being a source of national pride, Heathrow has failed to modernise and in turn, let down consumers, carriers and the British economy".
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic demand Heathrow Airport lowers fees and boosts standards Key customers of Heathrow Airport, including airlines and hotels, are demanding lower charges and higher standards.
Nigel Wicking, chief executive of Heathrow AOC, said: "Heathrow is rapidly falling behind other major airports around the globe both in facilities and service to airline customers, whilst having the unenviable accolade of being the most expensive for airport charges.
The airline community want to offer travellers, to and from the UK, a great experience through Heathrow and we want growth, also avoiding the disproportionate costs we too often see by Heathrow Airport Limited.".
In the 15 years since the last major review into UK aviation by the Competition Commission, Heathrow has become the world’s most expensive airport, with passengers and airlines today paying £1.1billion more each year than if charges were in line with equivalent major European airports.".
