The British Airline Pilots’ Association has welcomed the UK government’s decision to award the contract to build a third runway at Heathrow.
The union, which represents over 10,000 pilots across the UK, is calling for the government to ensure the country has enough UK-trained pilots by the time the new runway and terminal are built. BALPA called on the government to address pilot training accessibility.
“The government’s decision to award the contract for Heathrow’s third runway is news for the UK aviation sector,” said Joji Waites, director for flight safety, policy and regulation at BALPA. “Expanding Heathrow’s third runway will deliver an extra 276,000 flights to the UK every year, creating new jobs in the air and on the ground.”
Waites said it is essential that the government takes steps to ensure a pipeline of trained and qualified pilots ready to crew new flights. According to BALPA, pilot training currently requires investment of over £100,000 (US$126,600) without access to student loans and no certainty of employment.
“That simply prices too many young people out, who might otherwise be qualified,” said Waites. “The private sector has stepped up and funded Heathrow’s expansion. Now it’s time for the government to play their part, to think creatively about the policy changes needed to make pilot training accessible to anyone who wants to fly.”
The third runway at Heathrow is expected to increase flight capacity at the London airport. The British Airline Pilots’ Association represents professional pilots in the United Kingdom.
