Heathrow has again reiterated its commitment to expansion as it reveals record passenger numbers of September.
The airport recorded 6.77 million passengers travelling though the facility on 40,292 flights, a 2.9% increase year on year.
The increase was helped by larger aircraft, with seats per aircraft up by 2% to 208.9 while the number of passengers on each one rose by 1.2% to 167.9.
Destination wise, Mexico grew 16.5% in passenger numbers while China was up 11.9%. The Middle East grew by 7.2% with all three destinations benefitting from the operation of new A380s
Heathrow chief executive John Holland-Kaye said new Aiports Commission analysis has revealed how an additional runway would deliver 95,000 new jobs in the manufacturing sector, 85% of which would be outside of London and the south east.
He also added new independent data from government air quality monitors shows how road vehicles, not aircraft emissions, are the biggest contributor to air pollution in the capital.
Holland-Kaye said: “With Heathrow expansion, we have a once in a generation opportunity to create 180,000 jobs and provide future generations with the sustainable infrastructure they’ll need to keep Britain at the heart of the global economy.
“The chancellor called for Britain to build the new roads, railways and runways it needs to prosper. Heathrow is ready to build – let’s make it happen.”
The airport can make as much noise as it likes about a third runway, but is the government listening?