Trade data shows Heathrow’s soaring role

Richards continued: "Today's trade figures show that over the 12 months to July almost 100 times more exports to non-EU destinations were sent via Heathrow in comparison to Gatwick. This reaffirms why manufacturers overwhelmingly back a third runway at Heathrow.”

“As the UK charts a new trade course, Heathrow will be a key linchpin to delivering on post-Brexit trade. The Government should recognise its pivotal role and urgently give the go ahead to its expansion and get construction underway. We would certainly want to see this vital project started within this Parliament,” Richards added.

Based on the latest trade data out on 9^th September, 98 times more exports by value were sent via Heathrow compared to Gatwick over the 12 months to July 2016.

EEF's surveys of manufacturers show:

• 78% of manufacturers with a business need for air freight capacity back expansion at Heathrow, just 22% at Gatwick.
• 55% of manufacturers say expansion at Heathrow would be better for attracting airlines that offer business connectivity to emerging export markets just 11% say the same of Gatwick.
• 53% of manufacturers say expansion at Heathrow would deliver the best economic benefits to the UK more widely, just 13% say Gatwick.
• The more a manufacturer exports, the more critical aviation connectivity becomes to their business.