New group targets ‘passenger experience’

     A new official group aimed at improving’ passenger experience’ at Heathrow and other south east airports has been launched by the government.
      Representatives from airlines, airports, passenger groups, business, environmental groups and other industry bodies such as the Civil Aviation Authority and NATS will participate in the new body which will be chaired by Aviation Minister Theresa Villiers.
     “This marks the start of a new chapter in our aviation policy.  I have a clear vision for our airports which sees greater reliability, shorter queues, less hassle and better services for passengers.  It is absolutely crucial that we get this right as aviation is vital to our national economy” said Transport Secretary Philip Hammond.
    “We have been clear in our opposition to additional runways at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted, so the challenge we face now is making them better within existing runway capacity constraints.  Working together with key partners within the aviation community, this group will look at how to secure the successful future of aviation in the Southeast and Heathrow’s hub status within the constraints of the existing runways. 
    “Our vision is for better not bigger airports, with new investment targeting improvements in reliability and passenger experience” he said.