SASIG - Strategic Aviation Special Interest Group of the Local Govenment Association

The SASIG membership has agreed a set of policy principles that guide the group’s representation, and inform the group’s work.

The adoption of these principles would yield an improved national aviation policy that:
• is based on the need to control the impacts rather than the aviation activity.
• has considered in detail all options for providing capacity to meet forecast demand, and for providing for other, lower levels of demand.
• embraces the concept of integrated transport provision.
• audits the parameters that should be used in any forecasts of future demand.
• adopts an assessment process for aviation developments that explicitly includes all associated costs.
• sets effective environmental limits for the aviation industry to meet, taking the appropriate form – regulation, charges, taxes, etc.
• considers and mitigates against the impact of greenhouse gas emissions.
• develops the economic analysis of aviation, and in particular improves valuation of the net impact – benefits and disbenefits.
• coordinates with other transport policies and with other associated national policies, such as climate change, and energy policies.

SASIG strongly urges that Government address the need for a new national aviation policy.

SASIG Policy Principles & Statement, June 2010

Since the May 2010 General Election, and the formation of a coalition Government, we have entered a new era in aviation policy.

The major airport developments supported in the prevailing policy – the 2003 ‘Air Transport White Paper’ – have been abandoned by the coalition Government. In addition, the High Court has determined the 2003 policy unjustified in
the light of UK climate change policy.

Tough decisions have to be made now about how to reconcile the competing concerns of local communities, passengers, airlines and airport operators.

The coalition Government has set an agenda of ‘localism’ amidst the nation’s essential economic recovery measures. Local Authorities will be called upon to deliver both of these ambitious programmes.

The Government’s forthcoming agenda includes production of the Airports National Policy Statement, and now is an important opportunity for SASIG Authorities to exert influence.

SASIG – Developing UK Aviation Policy, June 2010

Aviation growth is booming ahead although passengers and the public are becoming more aware of the environmental costs that their activities impose on the planet.

The 2003 Aviation White Paper – Did the Government get it right?

SASIG is seeking to ensure that the UK has a realistic and well justified aviation policy.

Let’s fly but it’s time to check the cost – June 2003

Aviation is a high profile international industry. Its rapid growth has brought pleasure to many tourists and created wealth for many businesses. It employs large numbers of people and has been resilient to economic swings.

Does Aviation Matter – The economic implications of managing, not meeting, demand