Sugg, who served in the Department for Transport as parliamentary under-secretary for aviation from October 2017 to April 2019, will take up a two-year appointment in September. 

Heathrow chief executive John Holland-Kaye said Sugg would bring “a wide breadth of experience” to her role, adding how consultation work between the airport and its community teams called for “a more joined-up approach” to engagement post-pandemic. 

Sugg added: “I’m delighted to be taking on this new role, as I believe all those involved and associated with, and impacted by, Heathrow must be properly represented. 

“As a former aviation minister I am well aware of the complex issues around airports, which require sustained, honest and transparent engagement.”

Sugg’s appointment comes as Heathrow publishes its annual Sustainability Progress Report, detailing the “significant headway” made during 2021 to operate in a greener way and meet longer-term goals of reaching net-zero carbon by 2050. 

Achievements outlined by Heathrow last year included its first shipment of sustainable aviation fuel and a commitment by 65% of its airlines to use 10% or more sustainable aviation fuel by 2030.

The airport also contributed £315,000 to the Heathrow Community Trust, funding 49 projects to improve quality of life for communities in its local area.