The MARINAIR proposal is essentially simple and straightforward; the construction of an off-shore island airport in the Thames Estuary with high-speed access links. It will be served by a four-track tunnelled railway from Central London. The cost of this is included in the cost of the project. MARINAIR Project Location Map.
Such an airport will answer the significant social and environmental concerns voiced by massive public opposition to the present options included in the consultation process. At the same time, it will offer the prospect of flexible opportunities for expansion as demand warrants.
Studies have shown that there is no insuperable technical problem in identifying a suitable site in the Thames Estuary and, thereafter, building and operating a major hub airport. Air Traffic Control capacity should pose no constraint. Modern transport systems and techniques will ensure high-speed access links (road and rail, including possibly to mainland Europe) via routes that reduce environmental concerns to a minimum (through dedicated tunnels, where necessary). Similarly, housing and associated development for airport-related employees will take advantage of transport systems that enable development to be appropriately sited.
The planning of MARINAIR - in the fullest consultation with all concerned - will apply the latest advances in airport planning, management and operating technologies. The site is a considerable distance from population centres and areas of significant environmental sensitivity. The planning will fully take into account the most up-to-date understanding of customer (passengers and cargo) needs and any likely changing pattern of the air transport industry. The airport will be sited about 47 miles from Central London and it is envisaged that the high-speed rail link and the quality of the facilities to be provided at each end of the link, will ensure that the airport is attractive to airlines and their customers alike.
Security and environmental considerations of the over-flying of mass-populated areas will be addressed by an off-shore estuarial airport such as MARINAIR .
MARINAIR will, of course, be part of a UK national airports system. Apart from providing desperately needed airport capacity within that system, consultations to be initiated by MARINAIR will define the airport's most suitable role - short, medium and long term - within that system. It is appreciated that the lead time to completion and opening of MARINAIR is such that short term solutions to the provision of runway capacity may have to be found if the growth of airport transport demand is not to be frustrated. Nevertheless, if the short-term solutions can be defined within a long-term strategy, then significant planning advantages will have been achieved.
Some people make things happen,
Some watch things happen,
While others wonder what has happened.
