Sussex Enterprise has challenged BAA to clarify its position on a new runway at Gatwick.

Chief executive Mark Froud welcomed BAA's masterplan for future development at Gatwick and supported the commitment to reduce the environmental impact of the airport and improve road and rail access.

He said: "We fully endorse BAA Gatwick's view that the capacity of Gatwick's single runway is the most signif-icant constraint on the ultimate scale of activity at the airport.

"We were disappointed therefore BAA did not seize this occasion to better highlight the case for a second runway at Gatwick. We note the introduction to the masterplan states it is likely by 2015 passenger numbers will be close to maximum for a single runway.

"Clearly after this date, Gatwick will be unable to meet demand locally and its economic importance to the region will be constrained."

The masterplan says by 2015 passenger numbers will exceed 40 million-a-year, just less than the maximum use capacity of 45 million.

Mr Froud said: "We would urge BAA to make strenuous efforts to object to any development that would compromise the airport's sustainability. If Heathrow does not meet the required environmental targets and Stansted proves not to be commercially viable, Gatwick would be the next logical option. It would be frustrating if any interim development complicated the building of a second runway which is so urgently needed."

Mr Froud endorsed BAA's view that to achieve the target of 40 per cent of air passengers using public transport the airport needs a dedicated rail link. He said: "Fifty-seven per cent of people using Gatwick station are airline passengers and they should have primary consideration in any alterations to the service."

June 28, 2005