Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • New data reveals hidden role of UK’s aviation sector

Aerospace

New data reveals hidden role of UK’s aviation sector

New Government data has revealed the significant role Heathrow airport has played in equipping frontline workers and hospitals in their fight against COVID-19.

Image courtesy Heathrow

From January until March this year, Heathrow welcomed 5,269 tonnes of specific medical cargo items urgently needed in the Covid-19 pandemic including hospital equipment, PPE, sterilisation and disinfecting products, medical oxygen, medicines, swabs and test kits from dedicated cargo carriers like DHL Express or repurposed passenger aircraft. In March alone, Heathrow imported nearly 33% (32.9%) of the UK’s critical equipment to fight Covid-19, by value, compared to all other ports in the UK including rail, air and sea ports.

Advertisement
Farsound RT 2

Over January to March this year, Heathrow also welcomed 58% of the UK’s pharmaceutical imports by value, underscoring the airport’s role in keeping open the vital supply lines our healthcare needs.

These figures are set to increase over the next weeks as many airlines have either begun flying freighters, planes designed solely for the purpose of moving cargo into Heathrow, or repurposing passenger aircraft for cargo use. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and American Airlines are just some of the airlines who have re-invented the use of passenger planes by using seats, overhead lockers and the hold to carry vital supplies. In total, 4153 cargo-only flights have arrived at Heathrow so far this year – an increase of 304% compared to 2019.

This has meant that, even as total UK imports are falling, the value of imports through Heathrow continue to increase. Heathrow was the conduit for 36% of the country’s total imports by value by March – an increase of 20% compared to the same month last year.

As the country looks for a way to recover economically after the effects of the pandemic, Heathrow’s role in UK trade will become even more vital.

Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye said: “Heathrow is more than just an airport – it is the country’s biggest front door, not only for people but also the time-critical, sensitive cargo that is essential to the UK’s frontline heroes.

"The Secretary of State for Transport’s proposals for a potential risk-based 'air bridge' will allow trade to continue between low-risk destinations,  protect the public health and enable Heathrow to play its part in kickstarting the nation’s economic recovery. Ministers have taken a responsible step and we will continue to work with them to beat COVID-19 and return the UK economy to health once more.”

Commenting on the latest figures, Elizabeth de Jong, Director of Policy, Freight Transport Association (FTA) said: “Air cargo has been vital to maintaining the integrity of the UK’s supply chain, and helped businesses cope with unprecedented demand in areas including medical supplies, food and other essentials. 

Advertisement
Farsound RT Brain

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the resilience of the UK’s logistics industry, helped in no small part by the flexibility of air operators via Heathrow to release additional capacity to support UK PLC.”

 

 

 

Advertisement
Advanced Navigation LB 1
EasyJet inaugurates new Birmingham base

Aerospace

EasyJet inaugurates new Birmingham base

18 March 2024

EasyJet has today inaugurated its newest UK base, at Birmingham Airport, the airline’s ninth UK base and first new base in the UK in more than a decade, creating 140 direct jobs for pilots and crew in the UK and in total supporting around 1,200 jobs.

Viasat

Aerospace Space

Viasat's IFC selected by Royal Jordanian Airlines

18 March 2024

Royal Jordanian Airlines and Viasat have announced that the airline will officially make high-speed Wi-Fi a priority to enhance its future passenger experience by selecting Viasat's in-flight connectivity (IFC) solution across multiple fleets.

CAE to provide Boeing 737MAX pilot training for Akasa Air

Aerospace

CAE to provide Boeing 737MAX pilot training for Akasa Air

18 March 2024

CAE today announced that it has signed a long-term agreement with Akasa Air, to provide Boeing 737MAX pilot training at CAE’s facilities in India.

UK Future of Flight Action Plan launched

Aerospace Security

UK Future of Flight Action Plan launched

18 March 2024

Flying taxis, crime-fighting drones and critical 999 care deliveries could all be a reality by 2030 thanks to the UK Government and industry’s joint Future of Flight Action Plan, announced by the Department for Transport (DfT) today.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Flightdeck Films delivers careers videos for L3Harris and Menzies Aviation

Aerospace

Flightdeck Films delivers careers videos for L3Harris and Menzies Aviation

18 March 2024

Flightdeck Films has announced creative partnerships with L3Harris and Menzies Aviation to help them recruit and retain top talent using video.

BA overhauls airport ground equipment at Heathrow

Aerospace

BA overhauls airport ground equipment at Heathrow

18 March 2024

British Airways is embarking on a multimillion-pound investment programme to overhaul its ground support equipment at Heathrow Airport, as part of its commitment to reducing emissions both in the air and on the ground.

Advertisement
Advanced Navigation RT