UK pilots have welcomed the Government’s “long overdue” indication of its preference to expand Heathrow.

Pilots have been calling for a decision to be made by the Government since the Davies Report was first published more than a year ago.

The British Airline Pilots’ Association has previously supported expansion in the South East with General Secretary, Brian Strutton, urging that it is “vital to the UK economy”.

Although the Government has decided on Heathrow, the final vote will not be taken to a vote in the Commons until next year.

BALPA General Secretary, Brian Strutton, said:

“We are pleased the Government has finally taken a long overdue stance but it’s disappointing the definitive vote will not take place for at least another year.

“Heathrow is already operating at almost maximum capacity so expansion is vital to the UK economy and aviation industry.”