Boris Johnson has appointed Doug Oakervee, Executive Chair of Crossrail, to conduct a preliminary feasibility study into locating a new airport in the Thames Estuary.
Oakervee was involved in the construction of Hong Kong’s acclaimed offshore International Airport and yesterday met with Mayoral advisor and London Assembly member Kit Malthouse to discuss how he could help take the project forward.
City Hall says a provisional Greater London Authority study suggests the project is technically feasible but says the Mayor will not proceed if there’s “an overriding economic, environmental, political or practical reason why the airport would not work”.
Commenting this afternoon Malthouse said: “To have such a colossal figure from the engineering world bringing his extensive skills and judgement to this unique and important project is great news.”
Update 15.16: Since publication a spokesman for the Mayor has confirmed that no costs are expected for this feasibility study and that no public money will be involved should the project proceed.
