Heathrow cargo up 6.9 per cent in May

LONDON Heathrow’s air cargo throughput rose 6.9 per cent in May to 125,982 tonnes, with traffic hot spots Mexico, China and Brazil the star performers.
The UK airport’s tonnage comparison versus same month 2013 saw Mexico with a 54  per cent  increase, followed by China, up 38 per cent , and Brazil with a rise of 21 per cent.
Heathrow cargo throughputs in the year to date were up by 3.9 per cent over 2013, to 601,000 tonnes.
An airport spokesman said: “The scale and growth of these important long haul markets shows the unique role of Heathrow as the UK’s hub – other London airports like Gatwick or regional airports like Birmingham are important but no substitute for capacity at the hub.”
In May, Heathrow unveiled its revised proposals for a third runway. The proposals included a pledge to double cargo capacity at the leading UK freight hub.
Heathrow chief executive Colin Matthews said: “Heathrow has experienced record passenger traffic for May and cargo has also shown a strong increase this month, particularly to Mexico and China. 65 per cent  of UK air freight already travels via Heathrow.
“As part of our revised proposals for expansion to the Airports Commission, we said we would double cargo capacity to further improve UK export competitiveness, connecting the whole of the UK to fast growing international markets.”