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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


Comments

Hide the following 8 comments

Goal!

16.08.2007 09:13

That's more like it!

Dick Branson


Good tactics

16.08.2007 09:46

were used on this action,while the security services are using thier resorces to focus on the climate camp at Heathrow,these activists diverted elsewhere,a good lesson to be learnt. Solidarity.

Winston Smith


super glue

16.08.2007 11:13

anyone fancy a bit of creative supper gluing at manchester airport.

stephenc
mail e-mail: stephenc@libero.it
- Homepage: http://www.realfathersforjustice.org


nice one

16.08.2007 11:39

and global media coverage too

anyone who locks onto airport gates anywhere in the Uk over the next few days is almost certain to be seen and heard by the whole world. Lets go get em..

supporter


Exactly what is needed

16.08.2007 12:27

Amazing work guys! This type of protest is exactly the type that is needed to prove that the target of the Climate Camp is not ordinary people.

Hopefully more actions such as these targetting the rich and powerful will help defuse the tension that exists between the Climate Camp protestors and public opinion.

Dave

Dave


Eh?

17.08.2007 12:49

These trouble makers want to stop us all flying and not just the super rich.

They probably wish they could stop more chavs flying off on Easyjet to Ibiza than a few millinaire buisnessmen.

Dan Factor
mail e-mail: danfactoruk@yahoo.co.uk


We are watching.

17.08.2007 14:28

You had good news cover here on 15 August. We are waiting for the next episode . Go for it.

Ozzie Friends


Get the microlights too

18.08.2007 04:39

They might be able to prevent us getting near the business jets but we can extend our campaign to lots of smaller airfields. Lets not forget there are loads of smaller planes around using fuel and these can be disabled relatively easily.

sharp hatchet