Will it ever happen?

As a break from the usual aviation media sources, the detail comes from a construction industry publication.

Heathrow has submitted its plan to deliver a third runway and invest £49bn to vastly transform the UK’s biggest airport. The airport operator said it was ready to start design and supply chain activity this year but needs a swift policy signal and regulatory framework from Government to stay on track. The recently published detailed blueprint sets out how the money will be spent over several decades. £21bn earmarked for the new 3,500m runway and airfield infrastructure, forming the first phase of delivery. This figure has increased from £14bn in 2018, largely due to construction inflation. It includes land acquisition, realignment of the M25 on top of runway and taxiway construction.

Alongside the £21bn runway build, Heathrow plans to spend in the longer term £12bn for new terminal and stand capacity, comprising

Construction of a new “T5X” terminal alongside Terminal 5

T5X to serve as a second “front door” for passengers with new public transport interchange

Delivery of T5XN – a satellite terminal near the third runway, linked by track transit

Additional airside aprons, stands, baggage systems and connectivity infrastructure

Also, £15bn has been allocated for airport-wide modernisation -

Major redevelopment of Terminal 2, including 2 satellite piers

Phased closure and demolition of Terminal 3

Refurbishment of existing infrastructure, including the Central Terminal Area

Public realm upgrades and supporting works

If ministers provide regulatory feedback by September then Heathrow aims to begin design, mobilisation and early procurement activity this year. Formal community and stakeholder consultation would take place next year for a full planning application to be submitted in 2028 for approval in 2029.

Timing of Heathrow’s submission follows the arrival of a rival expansion plan just 24 hours earlier, as the Arora Group and Bechtel submitted their “Heathrow West” proposal. A lower-cost alternative promising to avoid the need to build over the M25. That bid aims to deliver a Terminal 6 and runway configuration, therefore accelerating delivery and cutting environmental impact.

Both projects now await Government feedback as ministers weigh the future of UK aviation and its global competitiveness.

The process will be a long one. We’re well used by now to the abilities of various politicians to stall any expansion plans, not to mention environmental groups. The question has also been raised; how will this affect the UK Government’s target of net zero by 2030?

Other media sources speculated on which low-cost airlines would be interested in operating from an expanded LHR. The only name that surfaced was EasyJet. However, the airline has not formally responded. There is so much to be considered and we all know that aviation is a constantly changing environment. A case of watch this space…

In other news –

Jet2 – recently received their latest A321neo, G-SUNS and G-SUNU. Both in the .com livery. G-SUNS has already operated its first passenger carrying flight, MAN-KGS.

Project Sunrise – still no update from Qantas on the launch of non-stop intercontinental flights.

LCY – previously mentioned that the airport has applied to the CAA for A320neo operations approval. From an airline perspective, much work is required to assess the aircraft’s suitability for the unique conditions at LCY. Would EZY be interested? Given their expansion at SEN, then it’s unlikely. BA know they will have to start replacing the Cityflyer E190 fleet soon, but money’s on a move to A220.

RAF Coningsby – new signs attached to perimeter fence have caused consternation. The official wording warns of unauthorised activities including photography and videos. However, regular spotters appear unconcerned as the base provides a free carpark for spotters. The new signage has resulted from a security review following the recent break-in at RAF Brize Norton.

And finally –

It was great to see England’s triumphant Lionesses return home to SEN. Again, SDTV Live was on hand to capture their arrival, having gained permission to live stream from SEN and the FA. The Jet Centre was used, making it easier to unload the aircraft, deliver bags and media photos. Some questioned the airport choice, including a certain BBC DJ on social media, who commented it would take them until almost midnight to get to Downing Street. Considering the flight was 1 hour late leaving ZRH, arriving SEN at 1520, they did very well to arrive there at just after 1800. Perhaps Mr Blackburn should stick to playing music and telling bad jokes…

Information courtesy of Construction Enquirer, Jet2, BBC

Images courtesy of Construction Enquirer, Planespotters.net

©TPSC, LadyJet2 and photo/diagram suppliers