Heathrow contracts seven companies to design expansion plans

December 5, 2016

Seven companies have been contracted by Heathrow Airport to be part of design plans for the airport’s “sustainable expansion”.

The UK Government backed the building of a third runway at Heathrow in October, rather than a second runway at Gatwick Airport. MPs will vote in the Houses of Parliament in about 12 months time on the proposal before any development is started.

The group – Amec Foster Wheeler, Arup, Atkins, Grimshaw, Mott MacDonald, Jacobs and Quod – will now be known as the Integrated Design Team (IDT) and all provide different expertise for development of the airport’s expansion.

Heathrow says they were chosen because of their experience in delivering projects of similar size, breadth and importance as an expanded Heathrow. The teams have each been awarded four-year term contracts, commencing November 2016.

Heathrow head of design, Barry Weekes says: “With their institutional knowledge of Heathrow, and proven record in building complex infrastructure projects, the members of the Integrated Design Team will allow us to hit the ground running to deliver Heathrow expansion.

“Their appointment is a significant milestone in what will be a fast paced design and engineering schedule. We are now well on our way to delivering Britain’s new runway, providing the additional capacity our country needs to maintain its place in the world as a prosperous, outward looking trading nation.”

James Graham

James Graham is an award-winning transport media journalist with a long background in the commercial freight sector, including commercial aviation and the aviation supply chain. He was the initial Air Cargo Week journalist and retuned later for a stint as editor. He continues his association as editor of the monthly supplements. He has reported for the newspaper from global locations as well as the UK.