London Indymedia

Business flights blockaded by climate activists

Camp for Climate Action | 16.08.2007 08:04 | Climate Camp 2007 | Climate Chaos | Ecology | Social Struggles | London

Two independent groups of campaigners from the Camp for Climate Action
have this morning stopped carbon-intensive private jets fom operating at
two airports in the south east.

Executive flights at Biggin Hill and Farnborough airports have been
brought to a standstill by climate activists concerned at the huge growth
in the use of private jets by business people. The activists D-locked
themselves to the gates of the airports.

At a time of growing public concern at the climate impact of the aviation
industry, business jets have escaped public scrutiny. The actions are
intended to raise awareness of the true cost of this hidden aspect of air
travel.

Richard George, currently at Biggin Hill said, "The aviation industry
would like us to think that all flights are being taken by hard-working
families on their once-a-year holiday. We are here today to shine a light
on the dark secret of aviation, namely the enormous growth in private jet
use by the super-rich."

The protesters added that the actions are focused only on the
carbon-intensive nature of private business jets. George added, "While
ordinary people are trying to reduce their carbon emissions, many business
leaders insist on flying in the most carbon-intensive way possible: a jet
all of their own."

Another protester pointed out, "In the 21st century we have instant
communications. Video-conferencing has been successfully used by the
media, corporations and univerisities, yet fat-cats insist on being flown
around the world in their own personal jets. The time for such wasteful
use of energy is simply over."

The blockades began at 6.30 AM and are ongoing.

ENDS

Media contacts at the action locations
Biggin Hill: 07879 416694
Farnborough: 07909 651093

Media contacts for the Camp for Climate Action
0777 286 1099 or 07858 177 178

Notes to Editor
1) According to The Economist, the average number of passengers on
executive jets in Europe is two.

2) Farnborough is the only airport in Europe for the exclusive use of
business aircraft. They recently attempted to double the number of flights
despite massive local opposition, although these plans were rejected last
year.

Camp for Climate Action
- Homepage: http://www.climatecamp.org.uk

Additions

additional info...

16.08.2007 09:00

... can be found at yahoo:
 http://uk.news.yahoo.com/itn/20070816/tuk-campaigners-close-biggin-hill-dba1618_1.html
and
the bbc:
 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/6949056.stm.

The bbc says in a report posted at 9.33am that a group of about 10 people "chained themselves to Biggin Hill Airport's entrance gates" to voice "their opposition against the growth in the number of people using private jets."

According to the bbc, the spokesperson stressed "that the group had no plans to prevent passengers flying out of Heathrow at the weekend." And it reports that "a spokesman for Hampshire police said climate change demonstrators were also staging a protest at Farnborough Airport but the airport remained open." According to the bbc, about 18 peaceful protesters are present at Farnborough Airport at the main entrance to the airport.

transmitter


11 arrested at biggin hill after being cut out of lockons

16.08.2007 11:07

one group had locked themselves together lying across the main passenger entrance while others had locked themselves to the main gate.

update


some press reports

16.08.2007 11:18

-


Comments

Display the following 8 comments

  1. Goal! — Dick Branson
  2. Good tactics — Winston Smith
  3. super glue — stephenc
  4. nice one — supporter
  5. Exactly what is needed — Dave
  6. Eh? — Dan Factor
  7. We are watching. — Ozzie Friends
  8. Get the microlights too — sharp hatchet

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