Airport expansion is opportunity for air freight to drive growth, says Logistics UK

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander’s announcement that the government will be reviewing the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS) is welcomed by business group Logistics UK and it supports the review’s ambition of “enabling a modern, efficient transport system that harnesses international investment, boosts connectivity and strengthens UK competitiveness”. Senior Policy Manager Alexandra Herdman commented:

"Logistics UK has been calling for reform of the national planning system to enable airport expansion where there are sound economic and supply chain benefits. We are therefore pleased to see that the government has announced a review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), and we look forward to engaging with the consultation.

“UK airports already handle 2.6 million tonnes of freight every year, and £95.6 billion of Gross Value Added across all sectors of the UK economy is currently dependent on air freight exports. With the government demanding growth from all areas of the economy, the development of Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton is an ideal opportunity to develop international trade and UK plc through air freight.

“It is also important to recognise that innovation in aviation is moving at pace. Airspace modernisation, aircraft design and sustainable aviation fuel mean the sector is moving towards cleaner and quieter skies while driving economic growth across the whole economy.”

Logistics UK is one of the UK’s biggest business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With decarbonisation, Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, water and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods. For more information about the organisation and its work, please visit logistics.org.uk