Heathrow is working on “bold plans” to cut aircraft emissions, it was reveled today.
The disclosure came as the London hub said it was on course to secure its ninth consecutive year of passenger growth after numbers hit 61 million in the first nine months of 2019.
The airport reported a 0.7% year-on-year rise with a 40% jump in adjusted pre-tax profits of £297 million.
A strong retail performance and more passengers pushed Heathrow’s revenue up to £2.3 billion.
The airport is developing a number of “bold options” to substantially cut or offset aircraft emissions ahead of an ambition for Heathrow to operate carbon neutral airport infrastructure from 2020.
“Alongside moves by airlines – including IAG’s recent announcement to offset all UK domestic flights from 2020 – the UK aviation industry is taking credible action to decarbonise,” Heathrow added.
The airport claimed that the “tangible benefits” of expanding Heathrow with a third runway are already materialising.
“Virgin Atlantic have outlined credible plans to create a second flag carrier at Heathrow with over 80 new services helping to drive down airfares through increased competition and choice for passengers,” Heathrow said.
“We are also currently reviewing feedback from our latest consultation and will submit our planning application next year.”
The airport’s chief financial officer Javier Echave said: “Heathrow is on-track for another year of record performance – which is great news for UK plc.
“Passengers are getting a better service, we have consulted on a strong masterplan to expand and we can see lower air fares and more airline choice for passengers appearing on the horizon.
“New investments in technology and a more sustainable supply chain are helping us to build a better Heathrow for the future – but carbon emissions remain the aviation industry’s most pressing challenge.
“We are committed to overcoming it and we will be outlining our own bold plans to reduce or offset aircraft emissions at Heathrow in the coming months.”