A section of the Thames Estuary airport. Designed by Lord Foster

The government needs to act swiftly if the country's aviation industry and 'UK plc' isn't to be grounded by competitor markets.

That is the key finding of a survey into aviation, including the various options for a multi-billion pounds Thames Estuary airport.

The findings of the Gateway Associates Key Influencer Survey on plans for the hub airport were published today in front of the aviation all-party parliamentary group.

The report sought the views of nearly 70 of the "most influential" private, public, national and international stakeholders, including the coalition government.

Respondents pressed for Heathrow to be included in the equation when airport strategy is considered.

It continued: "This frustration is further reflected with the call to ‘Get on with it’ since most believe the timescale for reaching a decision could be significantly reduced."

It said the plan to deliver the Davies Commission's report into air transport after the 2015 general election was thought to be timed for political, rather than economic or social reasons.

It continued: "This unnecessary procrastination will have a significantly negative impact on communities in the Thames Estuary, and those around London and regional UK airports, while they are left waiting on tenterhooks.

"Many also believe that the environment will be completely side-lined and ignored when it comes to making the eventual decision about future aviation development."

Ex-Kent MP Paul Clark, director of Gateway Associates and former Transport Minister, said: “All political parties need to recognise the genuine concerns expressed in this report and urge everyone involved to prepare the way for a decision to be made sooner rather than later."

The report set out six recommendations to politicians and officals, which include not ignoring Heathrow and being upfront about funding and compensation.

Kent is at the heart of plans for the future of aviation, with key schemes put forward by architect Lord Foster for Grain; London Mayor Boris Johnson for an island in the Thames Estuary; John Olsen for Cliffe; a tethered island off Sheppey put forward by London Britannia and a scheme for Goodwin Sands by architects Beckett Rankine.