AIR CARG O WEEK


AIRFREIGHT CONSEQUENCES OF HEATHROW’S THIRD RUNWAY


“While the expansion had been debated for decades, the final green light in 2018 came amid strong opposition from environmental groups, local communities and some political figures.”


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he UK government’s approval of Heathrow’s third runway was met with a mix of surprise and controversy. While the expansion had been debated for decades, the final green light in 2018 came amid strong opposition from environmental groups, local communities and some political figures. Many


expected continued delays due to legal challenges and climate commitments. However, business groups and the aviation industry welcomed the decision, seeing it as a necessary step to boost trade and connectivity. The surprise was largely tied to the fact that the UK government had pledged ambitious carbon reduction goals, making the approval seem contradictory to its environmental stance. The


long-debated expansion of Heathrow Airport, with the


construction of a third runway, marks a significant development in the UK’s aviation industry. While the project has faced environmental and political challenges, its implications for airfreight are substantial. Heathrow is the UK’s primary hub for cargo operations, handling over 40% of the country’s airfreight by value, which amounts to approximately £188 billion annually.


Increased trade and economic growth The expansion is expected to facilitate a significant increase in cargo capacity, enabling more goods to move in and out of the UK efficiently. According to Heathrow Airport Limited, the third runway could increase cargo capacity by at least 50%, potentially allowing an additional three million tonnes of cargo to be transported per year. This is likely to strengthen the UK’s position as a global trading hub post-Brexit where streamlined logistics will be crucial for maintaining competitive trade relationships. Increased capacity could lead to reduced costs per shipment, making airfreight a more viable option for exporters and importers.


Attraction of investment With greater capacity, Heathrow will likely attract new business from international logistics companies and airlines seeking to establish


or expand their UK operations. This investment will not only boost the aviation sector but also stimulate economic activity in related industries such as warehousing, supply chain management and manufacturing. According to the UK Department for Transport, the expansion could generate up to £61 billion in economic benefits over the next 60 years. A third runway will necessitate the expansion of cargo facilities, additional


including warehousing and improved processing


capabilities. Heathrow currently handles around 1.7 million tonnes of cargo annually, and the new runway is expected to enable the airport to manage up to 2.6 million tonnes. These enhancements will allow Heathrow to handle a greater volume of goods, including perishable and time-sensitive cargo, with increased efficiency.


Reduced congestion and improved efficiency Currently, Heathrow operates close to full capacity, leading to delays and congestion. The addition of a new runway will ease scheduling pressures, reducing delays and enabling a smoother flow of cargo operations. Improved efficiency will benefit logistics companies and businesses relying on airfreight by minimising disruptions and enhancing supply chain reliability. Industry estimates suggest that reducing congestion could decrease average cargo processing times by up to 30%. The third runway will support


Heathrow to accommodate additional


increased connectivity, allowing long-haul


flights. This will


provide businesses with greater access to global markets, particularly in emerging economies where demand for UK goods is growing. More direct flights will reduce reliance on transhipment via other European hubs, thereby cutting transit times and costs. Heathrow estimates that the expansion will add up to 260,000 additional flights per year, significantly increasing available cargo routes.


Improved infrastructure The expansion will likely drive investments in advanced logistics technology, including automated cargo handling systems and digital


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