Heathrow expansion marks first delivery milestone

Heathrow’s expansion programme has passed its first delivery milestone and is advancing on schedule as the Government published its draft National Policy Statement (“NPS”) on a third runway last week.

The Government now begins 16 weeks of public consultation across the country on the draft NPS, before submitting a final version for a vote in Parliament this coming winter. An overwhelming 74% of MPs back a third runway at Heathrow, a record level of political support for the project.

Heathrow Executive Director for Expansion Emma Gilthorpe said: “The launch of the Government’s national policy statement consultation is an important milestone in the delivery of Heathrow’s expansion plans. We look forward to working with the Government, our local communities and our airlines throughout this consultation period to ensure Heathrow expansion is affordable and benefits all of Britain.”

Unite General Secretary Len McCluskey said: “This excellent news will cement Heathrow’s reputation as a leading global airport.  It is a tribute to all who work at Heathrow, including the many thousands of Unite members, that it will continue to develop, and in view of the UK’s need to recast its relationships with the world following Brexit, this is a much-need investment for the national economy.

“We look forward now to the delivery of the project and the creation of the jobs that will result.”