Heathrow has announced a multi-billion-pound investment for significant upgrades, including plans for a third runway, a move that is anticipated to create thousands of º£½ÇÊÓƵ steel jobs.
Thomas Woldbye, Heathrow's chief executive, is set to outline the largest private investment programme in Heathrow’s history in a speech at British Steel’s headquarters in Scunthorpe on Wednesday, as reported by .
The event will also witness the º£½ÇÊÓƵ’s busiest hub signing the º£½ÇÊÓƵ Steel Charter, committing to use º£½ÇÊÓƵ-made steel where feasible in its plans.
Woldbye will state: "This privately funded programme will upgrade existing infrastructure while laying the groundwork for a third runway, boosting º£½ÇÊÓƵ investment and economic growth, with tangible benefits felt this year. Heathrow is proud to answer the Chancellor’s call to get Britain building."
Industry Minister Sarah Jones will also give a speech.
Confirmation of Heathrow's pursuit of its long-delayed and highly contentious third runway proposals follows support from Chancellor Rachel Reeves last month.
However, such an extensive programme of investment had not been revealed until now.
The fully privately funded programme includes capacity upgrades at Terminals 2 and 5 along with the third runway investment.
It will also establish new local transport connections and infrastructure to support the airport’s sustainable energy targets.
Woldbye will make a case that a third runway is "critical for the country’s future economic success" and that such investment is paramount to maintain Heathrow's competitive edge on an international level.
However, this move is expected to reignite debates due to the environmental impact of airport expansion amidst tightening climate goals.
Heathrow's third runway has consistently been met with robust resistance from figures like London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan and eco-campaigners.
In an attempt to allay environmental concerns, Woldbye will highlight Heathrow's adoption of the alternate biofuel SAF—a more sustainable option than traditional jet fuels, albeit one considered too expensive for widespread use by some critics. The Danish CEO will further assert that noise disturbance won't increase despite reports of record passenger traffic in 2024.
He added: "I want to assure you that we are committed to listening and working with our local communities to provide them with the certainty they deserve, ending years of doubt."
The commitment from Heathrow to utilise domestically produced steel for its expansions has garnered commendations from various industry bodies, business circles, and unions, especially as the third runway could necessitate up to 400,000 tonnes of steel. Following the announcement, British Steel’s chief executive Zengwei An remarked: "Major developments like this, which require huge volumes of steel, demonstrate why the º£½ÇÊÓƵ must have a strong and vibrant steel manufacturing sector."
"As Britain’s only manufacturer of heavy constructional steel sections, and rail, we have a critical role to play in helping this country meet its many infrastructure needs and look forward to working with Heathrow, other customers, and the º£½ÇÊÓƵ government, to support investments which grow the British economy."
Craig Beaumont, Executive Director at the Federation of Small Businesses, commented: "Getting growth means moving forward with a strong plan for a third runway at Heathrow. Small businesses across the country will benefit – SME procurement to help build it, a step-change in global and domestic connectivity, a shot in the arm for tourism, and a major boost to exports and freight. Above all, if we can finally get a move on with the project after so much delay it will put a neon sign above the º£½ÇÊÓƵ that we are open for business."
