Business and traffic commentary February 2019

07.00 15th March 2019

Record number of passengers hit Heathrow's runway for London Fashion Week

§ Heathrow welcomed 5.48 million passengers in 28 days, securing the airport's 28th consecutive record month for passenger growth (+1.7% vs February 2018). February's result has been boosted by London Fashion Week which showcased over 100 fashion-led businesses leading in creativity and innovation with visitors from 49 countries.

§ North America and Africa were the most popular destinations and best performing, up 8.4% and 8.8% respectively. Additional Delta and Virgin flights to and from New York, another of the world's fashion capitals, also assisted with the increase.

§ Heathrow best performing for cargo in comparison to other major European hubs. More than 128,000 metric tonnes of cargo, equivalent to an estimated 62.7 million Vogue magazines, travelled through Heathrow on the way to global destinations. Increase in aircraft traveling to Latin America helped make it the best performing market for cargo - up 17.5% on February 2018 results - with the bulk of freight traveling under passengers' feet.

§ More than 20,000 responses were received during Heathrow's 8-week Airspace and Future Operations consultation launched in January. The Consultation, which closed March 4, gave local communities the opportunity to help shape the airport's plans for its future airspace - both for the existing two runways and as part of the proposed expansion.

§ Heathrow announced a landmark deal on airport charges. The new arrangement which would extend current regulatory settlement to 2021, includes an incentive for airlines to grow passenger numbers, heralding a new phase of airport and airline commercial cooperation supporting growth at Heathrow.

§ The airport welcomed Stacey Dooley MBE and five aspiring students from across the UK for work experience in roles including engineering, passenger service, construction and safety for a BBC series called 'The Nine to Five with Stacey Dooley'. The show launched on BBC iPlayer. Over 5,600 young people, parents and teachers sought career advice from 81 companies at the annual Heathrow Jobs and Careers Fair.

§ British Airways celebrated 100 years with classic BOAC livery designs landing throughout the month.

Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye said:

"Heathrow is the UK's gateway to the world and we are proud to welcome the best global talent through our front doors for events such as London Fashion Week. As the UK prepares to leave the EU, our doors will remain firmly open, connecting more of the world's most innovative and creative talent to the best of Britain. Having now completed of one of our biggest consultations to date, expansion remains on track to drive further growth for all of the UK and its future generations."

-ENDS-

NOTES TO EDITORS: