The 4oo-metre sprint      (Industry - Regional)

At stake for BIA was the approval of a planning application to extend the runway by 400 metres. The application was approved last week by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council although BIA issued the proviso that certain matters have to be clarified before the project starts.

RedKarpet elicited views from representatives across Birmingham's events and hospitality sector about the commercial significance of 400 metres of extra runway to their businesses and the region as a whole.  

Paul Kehoe - Chief Executive, Birmingham International Airport

 
“We are pleased the Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council has approved the Planning Application concerning the runway extension. All of the issues that were raised at the previous council meeting were resolved relating to the Section 106 agreement.

“However, there were a number of issues raised on the night for which we are awaiting further clarification.

"These include an amendment tabled on the night, by Councillor Ryan, for woodland creation and the purchase of 50 hectares of land. The business case for the runway extension remains extremely challenging. Once we have understood the clarification from Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council we can take the project forward.”

Ian Taylor - Commercial Director, Marketing Birmingham

“This decision means we are a step closer to the runway extension at BIA going ahead, which will open the city and region up to a new market and strengthen our ability to do business on the global stage.

Kathrine Ohm Thomas - General Manager, Radisson SAS Hotel, Birmingham 

“As Birmingham’s premier international hotel, international business and leisure clients are important to us.

"International means global – not just European – visitors. A runway extension will enable Birmingham Airport to accommodate larger planes to and from long-haul destinations, which means more people from the farthest-flung areas of the globe will be more inclined to visit Birmingham, further enhancing its standing as a ‘must do’ destination.

“Also, it’s reported that the development may create more than 2,500 jobs for local people, which has to be great news for the region."

Nicola Flanders - Events Manager, Bank Birmingham Restaurant and Bar

“The planned runway expansion at BIA can only have a positive impact on both business and employment in general, at the NEC & airport site as well as Birmingham city centre itself.

And the last word goes to BIA's neighbour...

Paul Thandi - Chief Executive, The NEC Group

"The runway extension at BIA will create a platform for a world class international gateway which, in turn, will provide Birmingham with the opportunity to achieve genuine global city status, with all of the economic and reputational benefits that would ensue.

“"Specifically to The NEC Group it will open up Birmingham as a major international business tourism destination, with the opportunity to improve upon the already significant £6Bn contribution that business tourism makes to the region every year. Overnight, we would become a more powerful player in the increasingly competitive global venue market at a time when other territories are investing heavily in existing or new venues. This means that as the markets recover from the current economic downturn The NEC Group venues will be in a position to capitalise on the new business that will emerge.

“"For example, an improved route network with long-haul services from key US, Middle East and Asia destinations will provide both The NEC and The ICC with the ability to attract major international events which are currently unwilling and under pressure from delegates, visitors and exhibitors not to locate a show so far away from major international connections within which an airport plays a key role.

“ "The runway extension and the connectivity that it will provide, has considerable relevance in the success of The NEC master plan - and in particular the leisure and entertainment complex– as it will provide direct connections into the complex from a wide range of target international visitor markets, something that is key to Genting Stanley’'s (NEC's casino partner) long term strategy.

"“More broadly, in the most successful global cities, business tourism begets leisure tourism –delegates either remain in the host city longer for a leisure break after their business is done or they bring family with them while on their business trip. Events like Rotary 2009 prove this model. Over 20,000 delegates and their families are expected and many are likely to add a holiday on to their visit.

“"In conclusion, there is potential for a stronger BIA, equipped with a runway that can handle the international carriers’ fleets of large planes from the major business destinations, to combine with an NEC benefiting from a master plan encompassing both business and leisure tourism and the region’s superior motorway and rail links, to create a golden triangle - an international gateway to the West Midlands region.

RK  _________________________________________