With HM Goverment backing a third runway at Heathrow Airport, Heathrow Airport is planning to move forward with expansion projects.
Expect Changes Ahead – Heathrow from the Sky in January 2025 – Image, Economy Class and Beyond.
In an address delivered at British Steel Scunthorpe, Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye, they announced the largest private investment programme in Heathrow’s history and confirmed the airport is developing proposals for a third runway to share with Government by summer.
Full details of the investment programme, phasing, and the pathway to a third runway will be part of Heathrow’s initial proposals submitted to Government this summer, but plans confirmed today will include new investment in:
- Terminal infrastructure: Heathrow will work with airlines and the regulator to finalise plans to invest in the capacity of Terminal 2 and make changes to optimise and increase passenger capacity in Terminal 5.
- Improving customer experience and punctuality: Reconfigure and improve the layout of the airfield, increasing the number of aircraft stands, to improve resilience and punctuality.
- Local transport connections and sustainable travel: The investment programme includes plans to further improve bus and coach connections to encourage sustainable and active travel options
- Sustainability: New infrastructure will have improved environmental credentials and will use more sustainable sources of power, supporting the ambitious targets set out in Heathrow’s Connecting People and Planet sustainability strategy.
This privately funded programme to transform Heathrow’s current infrastructure, will start with projects within the airport’s existing boundary and work towards a third runway.
The airport and investors will be working with UK Steel, which Heathrow has signed its charter with to help delivery of this plan. This will involve British Steel, who are one of the produces heavy constructional steel sections, and rail that are required for this sort of project.
In Quotes
In the address, Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye 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.”
And that:
“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”.
With strict environmental safeguards, expanding Heathrow will prove that the UK economy can be grown responsibly and deliver on commitments to future generations. This project can only go ahead if we meet the rules on noise, air quality and carbon that the Government sets out in the Airports National Policy Statement – it’s as simple as that.
“Even though we’re serving more passengers than ever before, our noise footprint is smaller and we’re also using more sustainable aviation fuel than ever before.
“I want to assure you that we are committed to listening and working with our local communities to provide them with the certainty they deserve, ending years of doubt.”
Industry Minister Sarah Jones said:
“This investment is the latest in a long line of wins which our Plan for Change has helped deliver, and not only supports thousands of jobs but marks a major vote of confidence in our homegrown steel sector and this government’s Industrial Strategy. Driving demand for UK-made steel is a crucial part of our upcoming Steel Strategy, and by signing the Steel Charter Heathrow will give a huge boost to steelmaking communities across the UK and help us kickstart economic growth.”
A long way to go
Like the planned runway, there will be a lot to go on with these announcements, with them subject to planning consent, as well as the inevitable enquiries and challenges from both environmental and local interests.
We’ll have to see if these can be overcome as Heathrow seeks to expand its footprint, along with its plans for a third runway.
And as it is privately funded work, you can bet who will ultimately pay for it.
Hint: Watch those passenger surcharge fees skyrocket in the future when you travel through Heathrow…
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