Logistics UK sends clear message as third Heathrow runway moves a step closer

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander will review the submission before a consultation on the airports national policy statement, the framework under which permission for a new runway can be granted. After that, a full planning application can be submitted.

The plans would allow the airport to handle 276,000 new flights annually, taking the total to 756,000 a year. The £49 billion investment would involve diverting a section of the M25 through a tunnel running underneath the new runway.

The Department for Transport (DfT) is also preparing to announce the creation of an Airspace Design Service, which will redraw the corridors planes use in an attempt to increase efficiency and reduce air traffic control delays.

The redesign of Britain’s air space is integral to accommodating the additional traffic that would be enabled by a third runway at Heathrow.

The government is also set to consider rival proposals, including from hotelier Arora Group whose plan includes a shorter new runway.

Logistics UK's Senior Policy Manager Alexandra Herdman explains why the successful scheme must include detailed plans for developing air freight: “Heathrow is the UK’s biggest port by value, and a critical hub which provides access to the rest of the UK and the world for British business.

"It is essential that the final scheme makes full provision for developing air freight alongside passenger flights, to smooth imports and exports and enable industry to drive growth. Increasing airport capacity is a vital component to ensure UK plc continues to grow and reach new global markets. 

“Industry has been urging government for a long time to support nationally significant infrastructure projects, such as the third runway at Heathrow, and it is vital that these projects are now developed at pace to boost growth across the whole economy as quickly as possible.” 

The government is also expected to give its formal approval to bring Gatwick’s second “emergency” runway into regular use in the coming weeks, provided there is a compromise on noise and public transport. DfT is expected to give it the final green light in the autumn.