London Heathrow Airport has released several new images of its proposed third runway, including design renderings of a new Central Terminal Area and business park.
As well as a third runway, the plans include an underground passenger transit and baggage system connecting Heathrow West and Heathrow East, reducing transit times from 75 to 60 minutes. The plans also include a new terminal, overhauled cargo facilities and an area set aside for commercial developments such as offices and hotels.
John Holland-Kaye, chief executive of Heathrow Airport, recently commented on how the expansion of the airport would positively impact the Northern Powerhouse as well as helping the country to capitalize on the rapid growth of outbound tourism from South and Southeast Asia.
Holland-Kaye said, “Expanding Heathrow will supercharge government plans for the Northern Powerhouse. Today, airlines operating from the UK’s hub are forced to make a false choice between developing new routes to cities like Chengdu and Mexico City and maintaining domestic services. That means exporters in areas like Merseyside, Humberside and Teesside are locked out of Heathrow, Britain’s biggest port by value. Every day we delay is a day we’re restricting the growth of British business.
“It is time for the government to heed the unanimous and unambiguous recommendation of the Airports Commission. It’s time to expand Heathrow for the whole of the UK.”
To see more of the images of London Heathrow Airport’s third runway and central terminal area click here.