Heathrow equips UK - data revealed

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.

• New data reveals a third  of the UK’s total imports (by value) of essential medical equipment, PPE and other tools to fight Covid-19 arrived through Heathrow over March 
• During the same period value of imports surged by 20%, meaning 36% of all UK imports (by value) arrived at Heathrow, the UK’s only hub airport
• Airport boss calls on Government to start realising the strategic importance of Heathrow and aviation as a sector, which economic recovery will be reliant on 

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. 

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. 

Cargo increase to continue as airlines adapt aircraft

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 as the front door for 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 front line 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.” 

NOTES:

• Cargo data taken from UKTrade Info Database available here: https://www.uktradeinfo.com/Pages/Home.aspx
• Data compares imports from all UK cargo ports including airports, seaports, air force bases and rail. 
• Full list of covid-19 related imports is outlined here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/882397/COVID-19_Commodity_Codes_List04-20.csv/preview