The size of a small city and with more than 76,000 employees, the manual is full of facts and figures that reveal the inner workings of an international transport hub that never stands still.
With some 1,400 flights taking off and landing every day from the airport’s two runways - that’s one every 45 seconds - Heathrow is one of the most complex operating environments anywhere in the world with 82 airlines and 161 supporting organisations working around the clock to keep things moving.
It is not just Heathrow’s passenger figures that are astounding - as every flight requires a huge amount of preparation. More than 35,000 individual items have to be stocked onto an Airbus A380 before it departs – everything from toilet rolls to teaspoons.
In the Heathrow Airport Manual, author Robert Wicks has examined every element of the airport from runway construction and maintenance, to the complex airspace around London and how the airport deals with emergencies. Most importantly, the book reflects on the role Heathrow has played in the nation’s success over the past 70 years and the importance of global connections to the UK’s future.
Written with the full co-operation of Heathrow, NATS and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the manual is the first of its kind and provides unprecedented insight and access to every aspect of the airport.
Originally from South Africa but now living in Berkshire, Robert Wicks is a regular traveller at 36,000ft. He said:
'I’ve been flying to and from Heathrow for many years and have always been intrigued by how the airport operates, so I decided I should take on the challenge to find out.
'The complexity of the operation, the dedication of the staff and the hive of activity going on behind the scenes have blown me away and I feel privileged to have had a rare behind the scenes view of how it all comes together.'
Colin Matthews, Heathrow's CEO, said:
'For seventy years, Heathrow has played an important role in connecting the UK with the world. We’re delighted to have a manual that documents the work that the 76,000 people at Heathrow do every day to deliver a smooth journey for passengers and the importance of a hub airport in directly connecting the UK to future international success.'
From humble beginnings when air travel was a novelty for a select few, the airport now sits at the heart of an international transportation crossroads and has developed into an integral part of the global travel chain for both passengers and cargo.
With more than 250 colour photographs and technical illustrations, this book brings together the challenges of daily operations at the world’s busiest international airport.
About the author
Robert Wicks is the author of four books in the acclaimed Haynes adventure motorcycling series. In addition to his love of two wheels, he has always had a passion for aviation and his career regularly sees him at 36,000ft as an airline passenger. An avid photographer with an enquiring mind he has successfully managed to get under the skin of Heathrow to provide unparalleled insight into daily operations at one of the world’s great airports. Robert works in sports marketing and lives in Berkshire, England.
The Heathrow Airport Operations Manual is published on 1st May, available from www.haynes.co.uk/heathrow priced £21.99.
To request interviews, book content and for more information please contact 0117 944 1415 or haynes@spiritpublicrelations.co.uk
About Haynes
About HaynesHaynes Manuals is the world's leading publisher and retailer of illustrated workshop car manuals, motorcycle manuals, and motoring titles as well as books on a wide range of sport, leisure and lifestyle subjects.
About Heathrow
Heathrow is the UK’s hub airport. Since 2003, Heathrow has spent £11 billion on upgrading all its terminals and on 4 June this year, Terminal 2 : The Queen’s Terminal will open.
- Total size: 1,227 hectares
- Runways: 2
- Annual flights: 469,552
- Average daily flights: 1,286
- Destinations served: 180
- Most popular destinations:
- New York (JFK)
- Dubai
- Dublin
- Frankfurt
- Amsterdam
- Passengers in 2013: 72.3 million
- Average number of passengers per day: 191,200
