The leaders of Heathrow Airport in London have revealed a 15 year plan to double the air cargo facilities to provide faster and more efficient freight movements through a £180 million investment.
Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye was the first to speak publicly about the development plans. According to his words, the main goal is to decrease the processing times from 8-9 to 4 hours, significantly increasing the competitiveness of the United Kingdom on the export market.
“Cargo is essential for UK PLC and Heathrow is its global freight connector, with 26 percent of all UK goods by value going through the airport. This investment plan will significantly improve our cargo facilities and support British businesses to keep the economy moving”, said Holland-Kaye.
These developments however will have a positive effect on the whole world’s air freight industry too, as 4 of every 5 long-distance air cargo goes through the Heathrow Airport.
“The significance of air freight is often overlooked, but today’s announcement illustrates that Heathrow Airport has listened very carefully to ourselves and the freight industry. The improvements it is proposing are essential to the growth and success of the UK economy.”, said Chris Welsh, the director of Freight Transport Association.
The control of the airport will be totally digitalized, reducing paperwork and there will also be special warehouses for goods sensitive to temperature changes like pharmaceuticals and certain foods.
According to the plans the development works will be ready in 2030 and by 2040, 3 million tons of goods will go through the airport every year.
