Heathrow sees cargo boost in May

Heathrow sees cargo boost in May

· Heathrow welcomed over 6.2 million passengers in May 2016. Figures were down 0.8% on 2015 due to the earlier May bank holiday and a later half term. Passenger growth year to date at Heathrow remains up 1% on 2015 driven by larger, quieter aircraft

· Within emerging markets, China grew 7.5%, Mexico grew 3.7% and East Asia grew 2.5%, due in part to BA's increased services to Kuala Lumpur and new services from Garuda Indonesia following its switch from Gatwick

· Cargo volumes increased by 1.5% overall. Europe grew by 9.6% and East Asia by 8.7%, where growth was driven by Air China (up 40%), JAL (up 60%) and Vietnam (up 76%).

· May saw Heathrow celebrating its 70th birthday as the UK's front door to the world, as well as the launch of its 'election style' manifesto, pledging to secure a lasting legacy of jobs, connectivity and economic growth for future generations with expansion.

Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye said:

"Over the last 70 years Heathrow, Britain's biggest port, has played a pivotal role in helping Britain thrive as an island trading nation. Expanding Heathrow will mean 40 new direct connections across the globe, exporting more goods to more markets for the next 70 years and beyond. Heathrow is the right choice to secure a stronger economic future for all of the UK."