Heathrow Airport CEO on Expansion Plans and Brexit Implications

As the UK election looms closer, John Holland-Kaye, CEO of Heathrow Airport, emphasized the importance of expansion plans and the potential impact of Brexit on the aviation sector. In an interview with Bloomberg, Holland-Kaye explained that Heathrow is keen on getting certainty around the UK's membership in the European Union, citing the benefits of local carriers and the need for business to have confidence in investment decisions.

Key Takeaways:

• Heathrow Airport is in a strong position, with 30 airlines vying for slots, including EasyJet, which has recently spoken out in favor of expansion at Heathrow.
• The CEO of Heathrow Airport, John Holland-Kaye, believes that expanding the airport is urgent, citing the benefits of creating 180,000 new jobs, growth of exports, and connecting the UK to the global economy.
• Holland-Kaye emphasizes that the Davies Commission has done a thorough job in planning the expansion, allowing for a proper debate and understanding of what Heathrow can bring to the UK.
• The airport has a strong business case for expansion, with demand from 30 airlines and passengers, and believes that the decision should be based on following the money.
• Heathrow is the best-connected airport in the world, with 95% of the world's GDP within the range of a direct flight, making it a huge advantage to the UK.
• The airport's expansion plans are aligned with the economic goals of the UK, including rebalancing the economy and creating jobs outside of London and the Southeast.
• Holland-Kaye is open to conversations with low-cost carriers, including EasyJet and Ryanair, which could potentially operate at Heathrow in the future.

Statistics:

• 180,000 new jobs could be created through expanding Heathrow Airport (Source: John Holland-Kaye, CEO of Heathrow Airport)
• 95% of the world's GDP is within the range of a direct flight from Heathrow Airport (Source: John Holland-Kaye, CEO of Heathrow Airport)
• 32 chambers of commerce up and down the country have backed Heathrow expansion (Source: John Holland-Kaye, CEO of Heathrow Airport)
• Heathrow is the best-located hub airport in the world (Source: John Holland-Kaye, CEO of Heathrow Airport)
• 30 airlines are vying for slots at Heathrow Airport (Source: John Holland-Kaye, CEO of Heathrow Airport)

Sources:

• Interview with John Holland-Kaye, CEO of Heathrow Airport, on Bloomberg News.