REBRIDGE: Readers given chance to grill airport big cheese

12:28pm Tuesday 20th May 2008

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AS debate rages on over plans to increase the number of flights at London City Airport, its chief executive has agreed to answer any questions from worried Guardian readers.

Concerns have been raised that the suggested 83 extra flights per day could mean a noisy future for residents in Redbridge and increased environmental pollution.

This is because, according to the UK's leading air traffic management company NATS, proposals to redraw the aircraft route map over south east England could see the number of flights over Wanstead increase.

A three-month consultation period organised by NATS was last week extended until June 19, and now City Airport has offered readers a chance to have their questions answered by airport boss Richard Gooding OBE.

Mr Gooding said he would answer ANY questions from readers about the plans, and what it could mean for them.

He said: "It is important for us to recognise any questions or concerns you might have, and we are grateful to the Wanstead and Woodford Guardian for offering us a forum in which to discuss your concerns.

"We recognise that while some residents may have worries over any reorganisation of flight paths, it is important to understand that many will also benefit in terms of reduced noise and environmental impact."

He added: "The proposed changes would also lead to increased safety, capacity and efficiency.

"The majority of residents in Wanstead will see little or no change to current activity in the air.

"And, in fact, most aircraft departing from London City Airport should be at a higher altitude.

"Additionally, the limit on the number of aircraft operating out of London City Airport means that you won't suddenly see hundreds more aircraft in the sky as a result of the proposed NATS changes.

"What it does mean is that fewer households overall will be affected by aircraft flying in and out of London City Airport."

What do you want to ask the chief executive? Put your questions to him in the comment box below. Alternatively, you can send in your questions and comments via the newsdesk by emailing dbinns@london.newsquest.co.uk or by calling 8498 3437.

The answers will be published in the Guardian in the next few weeks.