Airport committee reject Competition Commission report
06.09.08
Proposals suggested for the tighter regulation of Aberdeen Airport have been challenged by a community liaison group. The airport's consultative committee, representing local councils, business groups and regional interests, said it is unconvinced by a number of proposals put forward in the recent report by the Competition Commission.
The report published by the Commission last month suggests changes at Aberdeen Airport including the introduction of a cap on landing charges. The proposals came after the commission found competition was almost non-existent in the north-east of Scotland because of its relatively isolated location. The commission was also critical of past levels of investment by airport owner BAA in the hub.
However, airport consultative committee chairman Peter Smart said: ‘It does not really matter who the owner or operator of Aberdeen Aairport is – it will always operate in what the Commission calls a monopoly situation.'
‘Aberdeen is not alone. A number of other UK airports also serve a relatively isolated population. None of these are covered by the Commission’s review because they are not owned by BAA. Aberdeen should not be treated any differently to any of these other more isolated provincial airports.’
In response to the commission’s concerns about a lack of development, Mr Smart pointed to BAA’s recent investment at the airport. He said: ‘We don't feel that the commission has given sufficient recognition to recent levels of spend, which should continue next year. It is unacceptable that Aberdeen Airport should be singled out for treatment that will not be applied to other airports.’
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