London Heathrow Airport has recorded its busiest year to date after nearly 75 million passengers passed through its terminals in 2015, a 2.2% increase over the previous year.
The airport in London in the UK claims that larger, quieter aircraft contributed to the increase in annual passenger volumes, with average figures for seats per aircraft increasing 2.1% to 209, load factors remaining constant at 76.5% and passengers per aircraft rising 1.9% to 160. At the end of 2015, over 20 daily A380 departures and arrivals were operated by eight airlines. Emerging markets also continued to be a driver of traffic growth at London Heathrow, with passenger volumes up 14% to China, 8% to Latin America and 6% to the Middle East.
John Holland-Kaye, CEO for London Heathrow, said, “2015 has been a banner year for Heathrow, serving more passengers than ever and being recognized in a number of awards as the best major airport in Europe for both passenger service and eco-innovation. The record levels of passenger satisfaction are due to a significant increase in training, apprenticeships and the number of front line colleagues moving into management roles. Our new expansion plan will make Heathrow the most sustainable hub airport, and Britain the best connected country in the world.”
