Co-op Travel rejects plans for Heathrow third runway

Co-operative Travel has thrown down the gauntlet to other ethical and eco-travel agencies by becoming the first major operator in the industry to signal its opposition to the planned third runway at Heathrow.

The company, which is part of the Co-operative Group, outlined its opposition to the plans as part of a new environmental strategy, which also saw it commit to attain carbon neutrality across its business operations and expand its portfolio of overland travel options.

Speaking to BusinessGreen.com, environment manager at the Co-operative Group Chris Shearlock admitted that there was a risk the company could be impacted financially if UK runway capacity is not expanded, but he argued that to support expansion would run counter to the firm's environmental policies and brand image.

"It is obvious we can't reduce carbon emissions to required levels and continue to expand aviation at the current rate, the maths just don't add up" he said. "It is brave for a travel business to say that, because the others are just sticking their heads in the sand – we're the first to acknowledge there is an inherent problem here."

Shearlock argued that the company remained confident it could continue to grow its business even if the Heathrow expansion plans were mothballed, adding that as part of its new environmental strategy, Co-operative Travel had agreed to fund two research projects from Forum for the Future into the potential for overland travel.

"We're looking at barriers to overland travel such as integrated ticketing and higher prices and are trying to work out the best way to promote overland trips to make them desirable for customers," he said. "It is still a relatively small market, but it is proving increasingly popular and as a business it is important to make sure you are on top of emerging trends."