Heathrow ramps up environmental charges for airlines in sustainability push

The UK’s biggest airport has increased environmental charges in a bid to minimise its impact on nearby communities.

Heathrow ramped up the charge by 7% to incentivise airlines to deploy their newer aircraft, which could make its operation cleaner and quieter for locals.

The move forms part of the airport’s Heathrow 2.0 sustainability strategy, through which it is aiming to deliver a more sustainable future for aviation.

Among its goals are making growth from a new runway carbon neutral and committing to the use of 100% renewable electricity from 2017.

John Holland-Kaye, CEO of Heathrow, said: “Heathrow is determined to reduce the airport’s environmental impacts.

“Increasing our environmental charges to incentivise airlines to bring their cleanest, quietest aircraft to Heathrow is the best way to cut emissions and shrink the noise footprint around the airport.”

He added: “It is a tangible step that will make a real difference to local communities.”