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POSTAGE paid cards were handed out last week to Heathrow workers to mail to their local councillors urging them to support the airport expansion.

The blue cards called Future Heathrow Supporting Sustainable Growth, were issued by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The action group Hacan Clearskies, which opposes the expansion and night flights, exposed the postcard campaign after it was contacted by Heathrow employees.

The action group also pointed out that IATA has close connections with British Airways.

The airline's new chief executive, Willie Walsh, sits on IATA's board of governors.

Printed on the blue cards was a letter which stated: "Dear councillor, I know that some of your constituents complain about noise and pollution from Heathrow. I accept that is a problem and it affects me as much as other residents but please think of the jobs and prosperity that will go if Heathrow does not continue to be a success.

"The decline of Heathrow would be very damaging for employment and the local economy and as one of the key decision makers I would ask to take this into account when deciding your policy towards the Airport."

Blank spaces were left at the bottom of the letter for employees to fill in.

One Heathrow employee said: "We are furious the aviation industry is spending money on these postcards when they should be investing its time and money on quieter and cleaner planes.

"That is the real way to guarantee a good future for the industry and the people who work in it."

Hacan's chairman John Stewart said: "Employees are right to be upset about these postcards.

"You can't help feeling that the aviation industry is trying to use its employees."

2:40pm Friday 17th February 2006

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