Heathrow Airport has been called up to the England 2018 World Cup squad.
The UK's major international gateway has signed up to become an official supporter of the bid to bring the Beautiful Game's showcase tournament to the UK and will provide special facilities for international delegates arriving in London during the bid process as well as operational and planning support to the England 2018 bid team.
Heathrow Airport provides connections to more than 180 destinations on 90 airlines, and will play a key welcoming role as fans arrive from around the world. Last year, 66 million passengers used Heathrow Airport. It is the only UK airport providing direct scheduled services to South Africa, and saw thousands of fans travel to and from this year’s tournament. It is also the only UK airport providing direct scheduled services to regular tournament contenders Argentina and Brazil.
Heathrow owner BAA also operates Stansted and Southampton airports, which could see thousands of fans arrive in the country for England 2018 if the bid is successful.
Nick Cullen, Heathrow Airport’s chief operating officer said "We are delighted to be a part of the squad aiming to bring the World Cup to England in 2018, and our people will be working hard to ensure that we provide the very best service we can to all our passengers, but especially the many important visitors to London during the bid process and beyond."
England 2018 Chief Executive Andy Anson said "The passenger traffic that Heathrow generates means England's bid will have tremendous visibility to travellers from right across the globe and we're delighted to have them on board. We've already received support from football fans in over 200 countries around the world and now Heathrow's backing will enhance the visibility of England's bid to millions of travellers who are ether travelling to - or through - one of the world's major international gateways."
For further information please contact the Heathrow press office on 020 8745 7224
