Heathrow traffic and business commentary October 2015

• A record 6.56 million passengers chose to travel through Heathrow in October (+3.9% on October 2014), making it the busiest October to date
• Larger, fuller, quieter aircraft continued to drive passenger growth at Heathrow. Seats per aircraft increased 2.1% to 209.3 while load factors increased 2.3% to 77.9% and passengers per aircraft rose 4.5% to 162.9
• Within emerging markets, passenger volumes were particularly strong to Mexico which was up 28%, China up 18% and to the Middle East which was up 7% as carriers continue to benefit from new aircraft including A380s
• Emerging market cargo volumes at Heathrow, the UK’s largest port by value, increased 3.4% over the past 12 months – notably to Turkey up 26% and Brazil up 7%  - underlining the export growth potential an expanded Heathrow with up to 40 new long-haul connections would deliver
• Giving evidence to the Environmental Audit Committee, Chief Executive John Holland-Kaye announced a “triple lock” guarantee that will enable Heathrow expansion to be delivered within EU air quality limits
• Heathrow is beginning engagement with the freight industry on a cargo blueprint that will double Heathrow’s cargo capacity and boost the UK’s global export competitiveness by enabling faster, more efficient cargo movements
• Strong momentum for expansion continued to build amongst business leaders and key politicians. CBI President Paul Drechsler urged “strong political leadership and decisive action” from Government in his address to the business group’s annual conference and 26 Northern Labour MPs wrote  an open letter declaring their support and demonstrating that expansion remains a nationwide issue

Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye said:

“Another record month for passenger growth, particularly to emerging economies, shows the urgent need for expansion at Heathrow. We can create the world's best connected and most sustainable hub airport, ensuring Britain remains at the heart of the global economy for future generations.  Let's build it.”