Cargo volumes continue to rise at Heathrow Airport with growth of over 13 per cent in June, with cargo to and from Latin America seeing the biggest increase.
Heathrow handled 142,349 tonnes of cargo, a year-on-year increase of 13.4 per cent, with cargo to and from Latin America up more than 38 per cent, with North America retains its position as the biggest market, with volumes 15.8 per cent higher than last year.
Heathrow Airport chief executive officer, John Holland-Kaye says the figures show Heathrow remains the gateway to the UK saying: “To keep Britain competitive, we need expansion to build more connections for British passengers and exporters and we are glad to see the Government pushing forward on the next stages of the delivery. Together we are showing the world the UK remains open for business.”
Cargo was up 9.1 per cent in the first six months of 2017 to 823,322 tonnes and 6.7 per cent to 1.6 million tonnes on a rolling 12-month basis.
American Airlines Cargo opened a new expanded pharmaceutical facility at Heathrow in June, and the airport launched the ‘World of Opportunity’ programme with the Department of International Trade to encourage British SMEs to export abroad.
Secretary of state for transport, Chris Grayling says the government remains committed to expanding Heathrow, saying the project has widespread political support.
The airport continues to develop its plans and there will be further opportunities to give views during the public consultation later this year, which is part of the Development Consent Order planning process.
