Heathrow’s precious cargo – over 30,000 tonnes of toys, blankets and baby milk take off each year

Figures from Heathrow reveal over 30,000 metric tonnes of baby related items made their way from the UK’s largest port by value and on to nurseries across the globe in 2018
Milk, clothing, toys and baby foods are some of Heathrow’s most popular baby exports
Many of the items will be making their way to China, Hong Kong, Australia, the USA and Qatar - Heathrow’s most popular destinations for exports

As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex put the finishing touches on their new nursery in Frogmore Cottage, Heathrow reveals that over 30,000 metric tonnes of baby related items made their way through the UK’s only hub airport over the past year.

Baby clothes topped the list with 10,398 tonnes of bibs and baby grows taking off from the UK to shopfronts the world over. Mothers across the globe were well stocked on baby food, formula and vitamins after 8,220 metric tonnes of provisions were flown from Heathrow to markets further afield. Other top children’s commodities include toys, blankets, furniture, baskets and nappies.

The top destinations for the UK’s exports are China, Hong Kong Australia, Meghan’s home country, the USA and Qatar.

Most of these items (94%) travelled in the belly hold of the same commercial planes that carry holidaymakers and business-travellers alike to various destinations across the globe, an example of the role that Heathrow plays in connecting British people and businesses to the rest of the world.

Nick Platts, Head of Cargo at Heathrow said:

“All the aircraft flying through our airport carry precious cargo of some description - families travelling to welcome new members and cargo essentials for new parents, such as bassinettes, prams and baby food. It’s great to see so much interest in the arrival of the youngest member of the royal family. Of course, all my colleagues are hard at work making every arrival feel special and we’re focused on Heathrow playing our part as one of the UK’s largest ports, helping goods make their way across the globe.”

ENDS -

About Heathrow

Heathrow is Europe’s largest airport and one of the world’s top international aviation hubs. As the UK’s global gateway, Heathrow welcomes more than 80 million passengers every year. The airport is home to more than 80 airlines and is Britain’s largest cargo port, helping to drive British trade growth by connecting the nation to more than 200 destinations around the world. Heathrow is currently ranked by passengers as the 'Best Airport in Western Europe’ for the five year running and the ‘Best Airport for Shopping’ for a record breaking 10 years in a row. Terminal 5 also holds the title of the ‘World’s Best Airport Terminal’ and Terminal 2 is Heathrow’s most sustainable terminal, now powered by 100% renewable gas and electricity.

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