London Heathrow Airport (LHR/EGLL) has today unveiled its largest-ever upgrade plan for the UK’s busiest airport including terminal expansions and a third runway which has been backed by the UK Government.
The plans were announced by Heathrow Airport CEO Thomas Woldbye who said “This privately funded programme will upgrade existing infrastructure while laying the groundwork for a third runway, boosting UK investment and economic growth, with tangible benefits felt this year. Heathrow is proud to answer the Chancellor’s call to get Britain building.”
Under the plans, Heathrow says it will work with its airline partners to reconfigure the airfield and optimise operations as well as increased capacity at Terminals 2 and 5.
Thomas Woldbye continued: “A third runway is critical for the country’s future economic success, and I confirm we will submit our plans for a third runway to Government this summer. Ahead of then, as part of a phased expansion programme and supported by the Government’s clear backing, I am today confirming multi-billion-pound investment plans, 100% privately funded, to upgrade our terminal buildings, enhance passenger experience, and improve resilience and sustainability. This is vital investment and will ensure Heathrow remains globally competitive and a jewel in the country’s crown – the UK’s Gateway to Growth”.
The project will also be more environmentally friendly with the new infrastructure making use of more sustainable sources of power to support the ambitious targets set out in Heathrow’s Connecting People and Planet sustainability strategy.
The project laid out by Heathrow has been well received in the industry with the British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) being amongst those in support.
BALPA General Secretary Amy Leversidge said: “Investment in the UK’s aviation infrastructure is long overdue and is vital for the country’s economic growth. The aviation industry contributes billions of pounds to our economy and supports thousands of skilled jobs, and we know that investment will create many more employment opportunities.
“The funding for the Heathrow terminals announced today is a welcome step ahead of proposals for the third runway due later this year. We need more airport expansion and to maximise the use of existing runways across the UK. This, alongside airspace modernisation and investment in sustainable fuel, will ensure a strong and thriving future for the UK’s aviation industry.”
The third runway has been the biggest sticking point for Heathrow expansion with successive governments failing to decide on its approval but the current Government says it wants to see proposals ready by the end of the Summer to finally get building underway.
