It is the largest airport in the United Kingdom. In world terms, it ranks as the third-busiest airport on the planet, with an average of 72 million passengers passing through annually. London Heathrow also happens to accommodate more international passengers each year than any other airport in the world. For tourists it is an important travel centre. For business passengers, it is absolutely vital.
Maintaining trading relationships
The economy of the United Kingdom depends heavily on overseas trading relationships. For those relationships to blossom, regular personal visits are often required. This is where London Heathrow Airport becomes such an important factor. Heathrow is the only hub airport in the United Kingdom, meaning that all connecting flights leave from here. More importantly, the airport runs services to 28 of the world’s top 29 countries in terms of gross domestic product values. This makes the London-based airport a vital component in the business chain and a major player in the financial wellbeing of the country. Of all the UK’s business travellers, Heathrow serves over 40% of them.
Of course, when it comes to business and airports, it is not all about passenger traffic. Freight is also of major importance. Almost half the value of UK exports is handled by airports. In terms of Heathrow, in excess of 60% of the total weight of UK air freight is serviced here. The annual monetary value of long-haul trade is approximately £30 billion. There is no doubt that London Heathrow is one of the most important and valuable trading ports in the country.
Excellent business facilities
Of the 72 million passengers which travel through Heathrow each year, just over 20 million are on business. The priorities of business travellers are often different to those flying for leisure purposes. The reliability of departures is key, as is the availability of good business facilities. Business lounges, where people can work or relax in peaceful surroundings, are becomingly increasingly important. A good business lounge should have Wi-Fi access, connection points, faxes and computer terminals.
Many companies now take advantage of the meeting rooms Heathrow and the surrounding areas have to offer. The proximity of many hotels to the airport means there is an excellent selection of rooms for board meetings, conferences and training days. Heathrow’s superb transport links ensure that it is a simple task for all delegates to reach their destination comfortable.
Employment opportunities
In addition to Heathrow’s importance to the economy as a major hub for business travel and freight traffic, its impact on the jobs market is also crucial. The UK’s largest single site for employment, Heathrow has over 76,000 people working within the site and in excess of 300 companies operating from there.
If London Heathrow Airport were to cease to exist tomorrow, a huge dent would be put into the economy of the United Kingdom. International trade, tourism and employment would all suffer greatly from its loss. The importance of Heathrow to the financial future of the country should never be underestimated.
