In a landmark vote, Parliament backed the expansion of Heathrow, ending decades of debate on one of the UK’s most pressing infrastructure issues.

Heathrow is Europe’s largest airport, welcoming more than 78 million passengers each year. As a global gateway, it is a crucial entity in the international aviation industry. Home to more than 80 airlines, it helps the Brits drive trade growth by connecting the nation to more than 200 destinations.

On 25 June 2018, Members of Parliament (MP) from different parties agreed to support the Government’s Airports National Policy Statement, making way for Heathrow to submit an application for development consent, which will see construction begin in 2021. This historic development will unlock billions of pounds in growth and create tens of thousands of new jobs across the UK in the early years of Brexit.

John Holland-Kaye, CEO at Heathrow, said: “Parliament has ended 50 years of debate by deciding that Heathrow expansion will go ahead. This vote will see us deliver more jobs, create a lasting legacy of skills for future generations and guarantee expansion is delivered responsibly. We are grateful that MPs have made the right choice for Britain and today we start work to create the best-connected hub airport in the world.”

“Today we start work to create the best-connected hub airport in the world”

In the next 12 months, Heathrow is set to sign GBP 150 million (USD 199.2 million) worth of contracts with British businesses. Furthermore, the airport will also announce the locations of the off-site logistics hubs that will involve businesses across the country in one of Europe’s largest infrastructure projects.

Holland-Kaye added: “Over the coming days, the Secretary of State for Transport is expected to designate the final Airports National Policy Statement approved by Parliament. This will set the policy framework for Heathrow’s northwest runway development consent application.”

The historic vote, which was done through a culmination of a rigorous, evidence-based selection process, secures a GBP 14 billion private investment for the UK – one of the largest private projects in Europe. With up to 40 new long-haul trading links, double the cargo capacity, more competition and choice for passengers and new domestic flights – an expanded Heathrow will make Britain one of the best-connected countries in the world.

“Heathrow is currently preparing to hold a second public consultation”

Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye concluded: “Heathrow is currently preparing to hold a second public consultation on its plans before submitting a development consent order application to the Planning Inspectorate, kick-starting an approval process expected to take 18 months. In addition to Heathrow’s consultation, the development consent process will provide further opportunities for residents and stakeholders to influence Heathrow’s proposal.”