BA boss says BAA break up not the answer

The chief executive of British Airways, Willie Walsh, has said that breaking up airports operator BAA is not the way to improving conditions for travellers or airlines at the London area airports.

The UK Competition Commission is arguing that BAA should be forced to sell two of its three London airports, as well as at least one of its airports in Scotland.

Walsh maintains, however, that the sell off would have a minor impact on travellers, as the airports operator has already heeded the watchdog agency’s worries about its slow response to expansion, by being a major proponent for a third Heathrow runway.

“A break up will do nothing to accelerate the delivery of that,” stressed Walsh, “I think BAA is focused on the issue. No, I don’t think (a break up) is the answer. I don’t think it will introduce competition.”

The BA chief did agree that BAA was in need of stronger CAA regulation to raise the standard of service at Heathrow.

Walsh minimised concerns that the government would stop expansion at Heathrow or Stansted even though Ruth Kelly, the transport secretary, delay publishing the results on a study regarding a third Heathrow runway to later this year.

Walsh explained: “I believe the Government recognises the importance to the UK of an efficient hub airport and a third runway.”

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