BALPA, the airline pilots’ union, today welcomed Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander’s approval for a second runway at Gatwick airport, and called for further investment in aviation.

Amy Leversidge, BALPA General Secretary, said, “This is good news for pilots and passengers. Bringing Gatwick’s Northern Runway into full use will create jobs locally and across the country.

“More flights means an increased demand for pilots so alongside airport expansion, we want to see investment in pilot training, including the uptake and utilisation of the First Officer Apprenticeship schemes so that more young people can pursue long-term career opportunities in aviation. 

“Pilots must be involved in decision-making about airport expansion. It is essential that expansion is planned and resourced properly, with safety and sustainability considerations front and centre, and that it goes hand-in-hand with modernising the UK’s airspace to ensure that it’s fit to meet the challenges of the 21^st century.”