Jobs created from Heathrow expansion expected to be enough to fill 633 passenger jets

• Major jobs boost expected if expansion is approved 
• Scheme expected to generate up to 114,000 local jobs by 2030
• Further 5,000 apprenticeships pledged by Heathrow taking the airport’s total to 10,000

Tens of thousands of extra jobs are expected for the UK if Heathrow expansion is approved by Parliament on Monday (25 June) - enough to fill some 633 passenger jets. 

Government figures show that the project could generate up to 114,000 additional jobs in the local area by 2030. Across the UK new jobs could be created as business take advantage of the UK’s improved connections with the rest of the world. 

Baroness Sugg, Aviation Minister, said:

“A third runway at Heathrow would bring benefits of up to £74 billion to passengers and the wider economy, creating tens of thousands of local jobs in the process.

“It is easy to take these benefits for granted but our latest illustration, showing expansion would create enough jobs to fill well over 600 passenger jets, spells out just what MPs will be voting for.

“This massive project will bring fantastic opportunities for UK businesses, workers and apprentices and we cannot afford to wait any longer to push ahead with it.”

This Government has been clear that expanding Heathrow would bring benefits to the whole country and has welcomed Heathrow’s commitment to developing four nationwide logistics hubs– including one in Scotland. 

These logistics hubs will create further opportunities for jobs and regional growth through the construction and design supply chain if the National Policy Statement (NPS) is approved by Parliament.

Further to this, Heathrow Airport has pledged to create 5,000 additional apprenticeships to work on all aspects of the project from construction to airport operations.

As one of the biggest privately funded construction projects in Europe, the new Northwest runway could generate significant economic benefits to the nations and regions of the UK. 

Parliament will have the opportunity to debate and vote on Monday.

If the vote is in favour of the NPS, it can then be designated by the Transport Secretary and becomes established policy. This would enable the scheme to move to the development consent stage which would include a further consultation with local residents and stakeholders on more detailed plans.

Ends

Notes to editors:

• For the purpose of translating number of jobs into jets, we have used the seat capacity of an Airbus A320-200 which has 180 seats and is the short-haul aircraft most commonly used by UK airlines.