Heathrow expansion to benefit UK manufacturing sector

Plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport could create 179,000 new jobs

Heathrow airport is calling on the UK government to give the green light to its new plans for expansion, which could create 179,000 new jobs across the UK. 

The expansion plans consist of opening a third runway at Heathrow and are outlined in a report commissioned by the airport by consultancy Quod.

The report suggests that the manufacturing sector would be one of the greatest benefactors of new jobs fuelled by the third runway and predicts that 85% of new manufacturing jobs created will be generated outside of London and the South East.

Wales

In Wales, the Heathrow expansion would create up to 6,000 new manufacturing jobs and reduce current train journey times from South Wales to the airport. This would have a positive impact in selling Wales as an investment location globally, driving growth and creating local jobs.

The report adds new detail to the findings of the Airports Commission in its interim report last year, which also confirmed an expanded Heathrow would deliver the best economic outcomes for regions, and noted that the government can and should use ‘public service obligations’ to support a widespread network of links from Heathrow to other airports.

Terry Scuoler, chief executive of manufacturers’ organisation EEF, said: “Heathrow is a global freight hub and a crucial gateway for Britain’s manufacturing exporters, making its expansion the right choice for industry and the country.

“With the opportunity for growth and new jobs identified in this report, it reaffirms that it is important for the Government to make a clear choice and to press ahead with delivering this much-needed improvement to our national infrastructure.”

An expanded Heathrow at the heart of an integrated transport network will give Wales an economic springboard to drive growth and create local jobs, according to Heathrow chief executive John Holland-Kaye. He said: “It is time for government to heed the unanimous and unambiguous recommendation of the Airports Commission. It’s time to expand Heathrow for the whole of the UK.”

The North East

Elsewhere in the UK, thousands of new jobs will be created in the North East if the third runway is open, according to one of the region’s main business organisations.

North East Chamber for Commerce Policy and Research Manager, Mark Stephenson, said: “The Heathrow expansion is set to deliver fantastic results for the North East with business forecast to flourish bringing more jobs and economic prosperity to the local area.

“More employment for local people means a more vibrant economy and will ensure the North East continues to grow as an attractive place to live and work.”