Walsh makes runway case
British Airways chief executive Willie Walsh yesterday launched a roadshow to drum up regional support for Heathrow’s third runway. Walsh spoke to business leaders in Newcastle, saying Heathrow was an important domestic hub for businesses outside London needing a connection for long-haul flights. The speech was the opening gambit in a bid to soften Conservative opposition to the £9bn expansion, which has been approved. Walsh stressed the economic benefits and said that blocking the expansion would not cut emissions, but simply divert growth to rival airports.