London Heathrow reports 'strong' 2015, with progress on financial, passenger service and environment

Heathrow Airport Holdings Limited issued (May-2016) its review for 2015, evaluating the year as "very good" for London Heathrow International Airport.

• Traffic and passenger services: The airport handled 75 million passengers and marked progress towards its objective of "giving passengers the best airport service in the world". Heathrow was named the 'Best Airport in Western Europe by Skytrax;
• Financial performance: 2015 performance was "strong" with EBITDA up 3% year on year to above GBP1.6 billion, reflecting record traffic, good retail income growth and strong underlying cost control. Heathrow lowered costs in 2H2015, as it realised the benefits of efficiency initiatives. Over the course of 2015, Heathrow introduced cost inefficiencies expected to be worth GBP170 million over the 2014-2018 regulatory period, taking the total secured to over GBP450 million, out of a target of GBP600 million;
• Income developed: Heathrow realised GBP150 million in further developed and secured income streams in additional commercial revenue, out of a target of GBP270 million;
• Aeronautical operations: Vietnam Airlines moved its London services to Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi from London Gatwick to Heathrow in 2015, to benefit from the transfer traffic and cargo. British Airways started a new service to Kuala Lumpur and Garuda Indonesia Airlines moved its London flights from Gatwick, bringing Jakarta as a new destination from Heathrow since Mar-2016;
• Environment and community: The airport reported "significant progress" in commitments to supporting the UK and local economies whilst managing impacts on communities and environment. London Heathrow was the first and so far only airport to sign the Paris Pledge for Action on climate change, and is cutting emissions from its ground vehicle fleet and installing electric vehicle infrastructure. IT continues collaborating with airlines, ATC, airlines and other partners to reduce noise and delays. In 2015, over 99% of flights at the airport were operated by the quietest category of aircraft. [more - original PR]