The Chief Executive of Heathrow has said MPs just need to “get on with” expanding Heathrow. Three plans are on the table to tackle the growing demand on air travel in the UK; a third runway at Heathrow, lengthening an existing runway and building a second runway at Gatwick. But what impact would it have?
There is an increased demand for air travel and Heathrow, the UK’s busiest air hub, is struggling to cope. Greater capacity is needed to meet the demand. Heathrow is one of the busiest airports in the world; one flight lands or takes off every 45 seconds. Yet any delays, be it bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances, can cause major problems on the runway with backlogs. Plus if London wants to grow and expand its international connections it needs to be prepared to carry more passengers and offer a truly 21st century experience for air commuters and travellers operating at full capacity doesn’t allow that.
A third runway would meet the need for greater space and capacity allowing more plans to land and take off at the airport. Heathrow has been overtaken recently by Dubai airport as the busiest international hub and it doesn’t want to fall off down the rankings. To remain dominant in the world market Heathrow needs to be able to grow.
A bigger Heathrow would have a positive impact on business; building international connections would be easier as travellers find it simpler to fly in and out of London. Blossoming business means more jobs and a growth in global travel. Inevitably this affects Clarendon’s core market as more global travellers means more potential guests looking for a serviced apartment to stay in while they’re in London.
Heathrow is a major transport hub. With good transport links to London the airport is the gateway for the UK capital into the wider world. It is a name known around the world as a favoured airport for the UK, principally because of the transport connections making it an easy stop off before doing business in London, one of the world richest and most successful cities. The global economy won’t stay the same – emerging destinations like China, India and Brazil whose economies are predicted to become increasingly powerful over the coming years will need to have improved connections to and from Heathrow. Expansion plans will have a positive impact on the UK’s ability to trade.
Heathrow is the key to London’s success as a business hub, allowing it to do business with the rest of the world. London’s success impacts on a lot of different industries, including Clarendon’s hospitality sector so anything that happens to Heathrow is important for many different businesses and industries within the capital. Expanding Heathrow is key if the UK economy, and London in particular, is to stay competitive. A third runway will enable Heathrow to grow and expand with international demand. It’s vital for business.