Heathrow spells out economic benefits of expansion plan
London Heathrow Airport (LHR) today reiterated the importance of its expansion plans, revealing that they are expected to unlock over 108,000 jobs across the UK.
It believes that expanding the UK’s only hub airport will be a national project that every part of the country will play a role in delivering, noting that it will be funded entirely by private investment, with no cost to taxpayers.
The new jobs figures come as the government’s consultation on the draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement closes and the Transport Committee holds its opening inquiry evidence sessions.
The airport states: “Expansion will create jobs, boost skills and unlock billions of pounds in additional private investment across UK supply chains. Industries throughout the country stand to benefit, including British steel manufacturers who will help build the future Heathrow.
“The benefits of expansion will be felt in factories, businesses and communities across every region of the country, which is why expansion is supported by UK Steel and trade unions including GMB, Unite and Community.
“As the UK’s only hub airport and largest port by value, Heathrow enables the country’s products and services to reach global markets and attracts inward investment and visitors to every part of the country. With Heathrow currently full, the UK’s competitiveness is being hindered.”
Once operational, a third runway will potentially raise LHR’s capacity to up to 756,000 aircraft movements and 150 million passengers per annum.
Commenting on the newly released job figures, Heathrow CEO, Thomas Woldbye, said: “We want to support the government’s ambition to deliver ‘good growth in every postcode’ and unlock what’s been holding this country back, including finally clearing the path for Heathrow expansion to take off.
“We are ready to show that private investment can work alongside government to revitalise British industry and create long-lasting, high-quality jobs and opportunities for people across the country.”
