Leading engineer to advise on Thames airport plans

Respected engineer Doug Oakervee is to take part in a study to determine the feasibility of plans to base a new London airport in the Thames estuary, it has been announced.

Mr Oakervee, who is the executive chair of Crossrail and was instrumental in the development of the offshore airport in Hong Kong, will work with London mayor Boris Johnson and the Greater London Authority (GLA) to help determine whether the project should proceed to a full-scale appraisal.

Early findings from the GLA's research suggest that construction of an airport in the Thames would be technically feasible and make "spatial sense", as well as contribute to the regeneration of the Thames Gateway.

However, the mayor has said that he will abandon the project if there are any environmental, practical or economic reasons why it will not work.

Commenting on Mr Oakervee's involvement with the project, deputy mayor Kit 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.

"I look forward to working with Doug, who has been one of the driving forces behind Crossrail and who will be able to give us the best possible advice."

If the plan to construct a new London airport in the Thames is given the go-ahead, it could deliver a serious blow to BAA's bid to build a third runway at Heathrow Airport.

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