Executive Chair of Crossrail Doug Oakervee has agreed to lead the Greater London Authority's preliminary feasibility study into a new airport in the Thames Estuary, the Mayor has confirmed.

Mr Oakervee, who was instrumental in the development of Hong Kong's revolutionary offshore International Airport, met yesterday with Deputy Mayor Kit Malthouse to discuss how he could help take the project forward. He has offered to bring his considerable leadership and engineering skills to the GLA's ongoing study and will advise the Mayor on whether to proceed to a full scale appraisal involving specialist advice.

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Provisional findings from the current GLA study suggest that construction is technically feasible and would make spatial sense, as well as be likely to contribute to the regeneration of the Thames Gateway.

The Mayor has made it clear that if there is an overriding economic, environmental, political or practical reason why the airport would not work, then he will not progress the project. But he is determined to consider all the arguments first so it can be decided once and for all whether the airport is a feasible option.

Deputy Mayor Kit Malthouse said: "To have such a colossal figure from the engineering world bringing his extensive skills and judgment 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."

The Mayor's Director of Transport Kulveer Ranger said: "Doug brings a whole range of engineering skills, from tunnelling and construction to planning and design. His conclusion will be based on thorough and detailed analysis and will be crucial in aiding a final decision on the feasibility of an airport in the Thames Estuary."

(CD/JM)