Heathrow sees record breaking start to 2024
Image courtesy Heathrow
The strong performance during what is traditionally a quieter period of the year was in part driven by growth on key business routes like Delhi and Mumbai, strong North American traffic and surging East Asian demand growing 40% versus Q1 2023.
The summer getaway is expected to be the busiest on record and Heathrow has a robust operating plan in place to keep the airport running smoothly. Reflecting the strong performance, its 2024 passenger outlook has been bumped up to 82.4 million.
Refreshed business strategy launched
Heathrow has revamped its business strategy, setting the ambition to be an extraordinary airport, fit for the future, while renewing its commitment to making every journey better. It is focused on enabling a more efficient operation, that supports more passengers while delivering on the Heathrow 2.0 sustainability commitments. To support the new strategy and ensure it is delivering for customers, it has streamlined roles and accountabilities across the Executive team. Javier Echave will become Chief Operating Officer on 26th April and Ross Baker will become Chief Customer Officer on 1st May.
Heathrow is investing £1 billion in a next-generation security programme which continues apace as it installs 146 lanes across the airport, with works having begun to replace the baggage system in Terminal 2 featuring a new state-of-the-art system. It will also shortly be initiating also initiaiting a once-in-a-decade job to resurface both runways without impacting the airport’s operating day. These improvements will help enhance the service and resilience of the airport.
Heathrow CFO Javier Echave said: “It has been a successful start to the year thanks to colleagues delivering a consistent, reliable service to our passengers. As I close the chapter on eight years as CFO, I’m proud that Heathrow is on a strong financial footing with a clear flightpath ahead. On the horizon is Heathrow’s busiest summer yet with more passengers and destinations served than ever before. We’re ready to continue delivering.”
