LCCI’s Aviation ‘Green Skies’ Programme explores London’s aviation landscape and how it can become better prepared to meet the challenges of today for the needs of tomorrow and showcases why it is so vital that aviation becomes sustainable, given its importance to the UK economy.
The significance of aviation to London's economy is too important to ignore. Polling by LCCI and Savanta highlighted that 83% of London businesses agree that air connectivity is important to London's global competitiveness. Therefore the aviation sector must continue to grow whilst also moving towards a greener future as businesses transition to net zero.
LCCI's recent visit to Luton Rising allowed us to gain insights into the successful economic development of the company and its aspirations for the future. We discussed its ambitious growth plans and explored how we can foster further inward investment to unlock London Luton Airport and the town's full potential.
The proposed expansion of London Luton Airport to sustainably grow capacity at the Airport represents the region’s biggest job creation programme in a generation. This vital project is deliverable without the need for Government investment, does not require an additional runway and makes best use of the airport’s existing runway and assets. Luton Rising’s proposals also include some of the most far-reaching commitments to the sustainable operation of an airport ever to be introduced in the UK. Ahead of the DCO decision date of 3 January, members are invited to show their support by signing the Open Letter to Government.
Outstanding organisations from across the aviation industry have marked the launch of the Aviation Generation programme at Harrow, Richmond, and Uxbridge College Group (HRUC) at an inspired event (Friday 13 September) featuring leading figures from organisations including British Airways, Boeing and Heathrow and aspiring students.
Aviation Generation’s collaboration with HRUC and industry leaders aims to create seamless pathways for young individuals to enter the aviation industry, ensuring a sustainable supply of skilled professionals for the future.
LCCI welcomes government-industry funding for green aerospace projects. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has announced over £100 million of funding for cutting-edge aerospace research and development projects. This funding will be critical if the UK is to sustainably future-proof the aviation sector and achieve Net Zero
London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has responded to the Department for Transport (DfT)’s consultation on designing a revenue certainty mechanism for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). LCCI welcomes DfT’s consultation and calls for the immediate introduction of the guaranteed strike price to aid the growth of the UK’s SAF industry.
On 14 May, we welcomed a panel from Heathrow Airport, London Gatwick Airport, London Stansted Airport and Luton Rising to discuss their supply chains, their positions in the economy and how members and guests can get involved. The event explored the major role that the aviation sector plays in supporting the UK's economy and its millions of businesses.
LCCI's Green Skies Aviation report calls on the Government to accelerate and prioritise the transition to clean jet fuels to remain globally competitive. "If London is to lead on green aviation, then the Government and the Mayor of London must work together to support the capital’s pivotal role in reducing the industry’s carbon emissions." - James Watkins, Head of Policy and Public Impact.
Heathrow is the UK’s only hub airport - a gateway to over 80 long-haul destinations - facilitating the global travel and trade that keeps the UK economy moving. It’s a place like no other – a city within a city – where colleagues connect around a common goal, to give passengers the best airport service in the world.
International Airlines Group (IAG) is one of the world's largest airline groups. Before the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic it operated with a fleet of 531 aircraft to 279 destinations and carried around 118 million passengers each year. It is a Spanish registered company with shares traded on the London Stock Exchange and Spanish Stock Exchanges.
London City Airport (LCY) is London's most central airport, offering passengers safe, careful and speedy journeys to and from the capital. LCY is just a short hop from Canary Wharf, while the City of London can be reached in as little as 20 minutes on the DLR directly from the airport’s own station.
Gatwick is the UK’s second largest airport and flies a range of both short and long-haul point-to-point services. The airport is a vital piece of the UK’s national infrastructure and is also a major driver for the economies of the South East and Greater London. 15 million people can get to the airport within one hour, and Gatwick is the most connected airport in the country by rail.
London Stansted Airport is the third busiest airport in the London system, serving 200 destinations across 40 countries. A market leader for short-haul travel across Europe, it also has daily flights to Dubai and serves as a major cargo hub in support of the London economy.
Luton Rising is a business and social enterprise owned by Luton Council for community benefit. Our largest asset is London Luton Airport, and we are proud to be the owner of the most socially impactful airport in the country, supporting and improving lives across the communities we serve. We make a major economic contribution to the region, and aim to be one of the greenest airports.
Find here the latest our Aviation Programme Partners are working on and how you can support them:
LCCI has a rich history of calling for and supporting the development of London’s Transport and Infrastructure to support the greater good of both the London and national economy. As London’s key hub for the business community, membership offers a variety of opportunities to network and raise your business’ profile.
The Connected, Liveable London Committee seeks to provide thought leadership and positively influence stakeholders on the need for more connected and coordinated planning and transport systems necessary for the future development of London. Its work includes pressing for London’s development as a leading world city in sustainable transport and planning.
