MARINAIR is the TEACO response to what is the most important and thorough review of air transport policy undertaken by HM's Government. The nature of the review process fully recognises the capacity crises currently facing the industry. Such a crisis exists largely as a result of inadequate formal planning. The social and environmental issues highlighted by such crises, and the need to ensure that the economic benefits generated by a high quality and competitive air transport sector continue to be available to the UK economy, will be properly provided for by MARINAIR.
To date, no genuine off-shore option - such as MARINAIR - has been included in the Government's consultation process. Nevertheless, it is evident that there is very substantial public support for an off-shore airport to serve the south-east, and widespread opposition to options thus far proposed by Government. Considerable disquiet has also been expressed over the length of time made available by Government for consultation, and legal remedies (by others) have already been implemented concerning various aspects of the process.
It is appreciated that this is a late stage at which to introduce into the consultation process a radical and visionary solution to the issues identified, and it may well be that an off-shore airport was omitted from the list of options currently being considered because of Government's disbelief that such funding magnitude required to turn the concept into reality, could and would be made available, particularly through the private sector.
After a number of years of negotiation with international funding bodies, TEACO has in place unequivocal and irrevocable commitment options to the funds necessary to plan and construct a major airport in the Thames Estuary (MARINAIR) plus supporting access and facilities.
TEACO, therefore, calls for Government to delay any decision concerning the selection of possible airport development sites until the benefits of the TEACO proposal can be assessed, with the intention that the MARINAIR proposal be included in the public consultation process and thereafter be awarded preferred option status.
Some people make things happen,
Some watch things happen,
While others wonder what has happened.
