London air link a capital idea

Aug 1 2007 by Alison Gow, Liverpool Daily Post

THE contrails of the final VLM flight between Liverpool and London may have barely faded from the sky, but the fight is already under way to restore that precious air link between the cities.

Today's news that Liverpool John Lennon Airport is working with Merseyside councils in campaigning for direct flights between the city and Heathrow should be welcomed on two fronts: it restores our connection with the capital; and it gives Liverpool travellers truly international access.

One of the perceived problems with the VLM flight was its destination, London City Airport. The central location was perfect for passengers who had business in the capital, but not so useful for trav- ellers looking to catch a major flight to some far-flung destination, who then had to journey on to Heathrow or Gatwick.

Of course, an air link between Heath-row and the North West already exists, courtesy of Manchester Airport, so it could be argued the niche is already filled. But surely such a vibrant, developing city as Liverpool, with its thriving international tourist trade and European Capital of Culture status, should merit regular flights to the world's busiest international airport?

The recent decision to halt flyglobespan flights from JLA to New York after a string of difficulties must have been greeted with cries of relief in Manchester – once again, the lucrative transatlantic trade was theirs alone.

A direct route between Liverpool and Heathrow would open a whole host of destinations to leisure and business travellers and the support from Mersey-side's decision-makers is undeniable.

Councils, MPs, the Mersey Partnership and the Merseyside Strategic Transport- ation & Planning committee back the plan. British Airways also appears receptive, saying the possibility of flying from growing airports such as Liverpool was “kept under constant review”.

The challenge now is to persuade the Government or airlines already using Heathrow. Then Liverpool city council could have another task on their hands – putting up road signs that read: “Wel- come to Liverpool – gateway to the rest of the world”.