Member Article

Another record month reinforces Heathrow’s expansion plans

A record 6.77 million passengers travelled through Heathrow on 40,292 flights in September 2015, making it the busiest September on record for passenger volumes

The West London airport saw seats per aircraft increase by 2.0% to 208.9 while passengers per aircraft rose 1.2% to 167.9.

Within emerging markets, passenger volumes were particularly strong to Mexico, which was up 16.5%, China up 11.9% and to the Middle East which was up 7.2% as carriers continue to benefit from new A380s

Heathrow, the UK’s biggest port by value, grew 1.4% over the past 12 months, with increases to notable emerging markets including 36% to Mexico, 25% to Turkey, 13% to Brazil and 5% to India.

Heathrow’s CEO John Holland-Kaye said: “With Heathrow expansion, we have a once in a generation opportunity to create 180,000 jobs and provide future generations with the sustainable infrastructure they’ll need to keep Britain at the heart of the global economy. The Chancellor called for Britain to build the new roads, railways and runways it needs to prosper. Heathrow is ready to build - let’s make it happen.”

The airport’s plans for a third runways were given a formal nod of approval in July by the Airports Commission, led by Sir Howard Davies, after heavy competition between the UK’s largest airport and rival Gatwick. The proposals will be considered by a government-led Cabinet by the end of this year.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .