Thanks to marcus for letting us know about an email that's been sent from British Airways to members of its Executive Club. In it, CEO Willie Walsh appeals to members' sense of loyalty - nay, duty - and asks them to support a third runway at Heathrow. He's even provided an easy online petition to sign - how sweet is that?
He makes no mention of how vital a third runway is supposed to be for the UK economy which is curious, seeing as it's the drum government ministers have been beating recently. Instead, he plays on the drubbing Heathrow's customer service has received in the press by insisting that a third runway will make the "customer experience" that much more comfortable.
"I believe these plans - which must pass strict environmental tests - represent our best hope for making your experience as our customer easier, calmer and more reliable," he says. If I were an Executive Club member, I would be heartened to know that Mr Walsh was putting my convenience and comfort ahead of the millions of lives which are at risk from the increases in disease, famine, drought and extreme weather that climate change is bringing.
Speaking of which, climate change does get a mention as Willie claims that less queuing for take-off and landing will reduce CO2 emissions by 330,000 tonnes a year. Given that the extra emissions generated by runway numero troi will equal those of Kenya, this seems rather small change. By the way, that would be the same Kenya which last year suffered an extended and horrendous drought, the worst in decades.
Sadly, Willie only allows Executive Club members to support a third runway at Heathrow; after all, what kind of exclusive club would it be with a load of dissenters who think that growth at the expense of everything else isn't such a good idea? But if you've received this invitation to help sets us on a flight path towards global meltdown and don't want to take up his offer, we want to hear from you. Post a comment below or send us an email so your opinions can be heard.
(If you're not a club member, never mind - there are still plenty of things you can do to oppose a third runway at Heathrow.)
