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London Heathrow cargo volume up 13.4pc in June to 142,349 tonnes

LONDON Heathrow airport posted a 13.4 per cent year-on-year air freight volume increase to 142,349 tonnes in June with Latin American volumes soaring 38 per cent against last year's figures.

North America retains its position as the largest cargo market for Heathrow, with June's volume to these destinations 15.8 per cent higher than last year.

For the six months ended June 2017, Heathrow's air freight volumes are up 9.1 per cent to 823,321 tonnes, compared with half year 2016, reported London's Air Cargo News.

In response to high demand at Heathrow, American Airlines has cargo opened a new expanded pharmaceutical cargo facility. Meanwhile, Heathrow and the Department of International Trade have launched the "World of Opportunity" programme to encourage British small and medium sized businesses to export.

Secretary of State Chris Grayling has reaffirmed Whitehall's commitment to Heathrow expansion and a third runway, saying that the project enjoys widespread political support.

There will be further opportunity to give views during the public consultation later this year, which is part of the Development Consent Order planning process.

Said Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye: "Our record breaking year, month and day figures show Heathrow continues to be the trade and tourist gateway to all of the UK.

"To keep Britain competitive, we need expansion to build more connections for British passengers and exporters and we are glad to see the government pushing forward on the next stages of the delivery. Together we are showing the world the UK remains open for business," Mr Holland-Kaye said.