A coalition of prominent British businesses has thrown its weight behind Heathrow Airport Limited's bid to operate the new third runway, arguing that the airport owner's proposal will generate the strongest economic benefits for the United Kingdom.
Business Leaders Unite Behind Heathrow
In a significant development, chief executives from well-known firms including Burberry, Caffe Nero and Fortnum & Mason have written to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander urging her to approve Heathrow Airport Limited's expansion plan. The business leaders, representing the Heathrow Business Coalition which also includes Arup, Fuller's and Walkers Shortbread, described Heathrow as a "trusted partner" that ensures a consistent, high-quality experience for their customers.
The letter's signatories, all representing companies that use the west London airport for retail or international trade operations, argued that HAL's proposed unified terminal represents a superior model for retailers. They emphasised that having a single operator would streamline negotiations and simplify operations for tenants and other business partners.
The Battle for Heathrow's Future Intensifies
The business intervention comes as the government confirmed it would consider multiple proposals to operate the major expansion project for the first time in Heathrow's history. Alongside the £50bn bid submitted by Heathrow Airport Limited, ministers are examining a rival proposal called Heathrow West, backed by hotel tycoon Surinder Arora.
The competing designs present strikingly different approaches. Arora's Heathrow West proposal features a shorter 2,500 metre runway that avoids rerouting the M25 motorway, which its leadership claims will simplify construction and reduce costs to approximately £25bn. This approach recently gained support from the chief executive of British Airways, who endorsed avoiding M25 relocation if possible.
In contrast, Heathrow Airport Limited's plan includes a standard 3,200 metre runway, arguing that only a longer strip will enable the UK to realise the full economic advantages of the expansion. While Arora disputes these claims, stating that over 99% of flights could still operate from the shorter runway, the business coalition maintains that exporters would benefit significantly from the longer design.
Economic Benefits Take Centre Stage
In their letter to the transport secretary, the coalition of business leaders made a compelling economic case, stating that the longer runway would accommodate "larger aircraft and direct access to emerging markets." They emphasised their direct stake in the airport's success, noting that "growth at Heathrow – delivered by Heathrow Airport Limited – translates directly into growth for our businesses."
The Department for Transport has confirmed it will announce its preferred design before the end of the month, setting the course for one of Britain's most significant infrastructure projects. The business backing represents a crucial advantage for Heathrow Airport Limited as the decision deadline approaches.
