Heathrow welcomed a record 5.72 million passengers in November (+2.5%) alongside a 4.4% growth in cargo volumes.
Heathrow is Britain’s largest port, accounting for almost 30% of all UK exports by value outside the EU last year.
Cargo growth was particularly strong to fast-growing markets in the Middle East, East Asia and Latin America (China up 10.6%, Turkey up 10.4%, Mexico up 7.3% and Brazil up 5.6%), underlining strengthening trade opportunities for Britain’s exporters.
Emerging market passenger growth was also strong, with Mexico, China and the Middle East all up 8% – evidence that demand to fly from the UK’s front door remains strong.
Larger, quieter and more efficient aircraft continued to be a driver for growth in passenger volumes which are up 0.7% year-to-date in 2016 as airlines deploy more and more new generation Airbus A380s, A350s and Boeing 787s at Heathrow. Aircraft at Heathrow in 2016 to-date are 1.3% larger than in 2015.
Heathrow announced further investments in Britain’s supply chain in November, awarding 4-year contracts seven expert companies who will design plans for the airport’s sustainable expansion. The new design team will help Heathrow deliver a modern, efficient and affordable airport and includes Amec Foster Wheeler, Arup, Atkins, Grimshaw, Mott MacDonald, Jacobs and Quod.
Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye said:
“With record passenger volumes and strong cargo growth in November, Heathrow is delivering for Britain’s economy.
“Since the Government’s backing of a third runway, we’ve put a team in place that will help us to deliver the benefits of expansion as quickly as possible – an affordable plan that creates more jobs, boosts exporters and builds an economy that is stronger and fairer for everyone – and we are looking forward to the publication of the Government’s National Policy Statement early next year.”