Frontier finds freight capacity constraints at Heathrow

Frontier finds freight capacity constraints at Heathrow

A new study undertaken by Frontier (Europe) for London Heathrow Airport on the benefits of Heathrow expansion on users of air freight has found evidence of capacity constraints for freight at the airport. As a result, some freight cannot be transported directly to its final destination, but instead has to transfer via hub airports. The key findings were reported today by the Times newspaper.

Frontier’s analysis shows that while there is excess capacity for air freight at an aggregate level, at the level of individual routes there are constraints. Overall, 39 direct freight routes out of Heathrow are already full and 57 will be unable to take any more cargo within the next 15 years. Among the 39 currently-constrained routes, long-haul routes to Asia are the most affected. The study estimates that 29% of Heathrow air freight to and from Asia currently has to fly indirectly.

Frontier (Europe) advises airlines, airports and governments around the world on issues relating to competition and regulation in the aviation sector, covering both passenger and cargo markets.

For more information, please contact us at media@frontier-economics.com, or call +44 207 031 7000.