Heathrow boss: Expansion “will not come at a cost to the environment”

Heathrow Airport’s chief executive has pledged to ensure that the airport’s expansion is managed and delivered ‘sustainably’.

In a statement from Heathrow Airport this morning, John Holland-Kaye commented: “We are clear that expansion at Heathrow will not come at a cost to the environment, which is why we are working with the industry and government to develop environmental targets that will ensure growth is managed sustainably both now and with expansion.”

The airport has called on the UN’s aviation body ICAO to set targets for the use of sustainable fuels in aviation, ahead of its extension ‘masterplan’, including the construction of a third runway by 2026.

The news comes as the airport announces it has welcomed over 46 million passengers so far in 2019, an increase of 1.4 per cent on the same period last year.

Commenting on the expansion plans, Heathrow chief executive John Holland-Kaye said: “The masterplan for the UK’s newest runway is set to be finalised within 18 months’ time.

“It was great to see businesses up and down the UK recently write to the new Prime Minister highlighting their support for this vital project and the need to get on and deliver it.”