Heathrow Airport’s cargo tonnage fell slightly by 0.8 per cent in March to 149,417 tonnes which the hub says further demonstrates its importance post-Brexit.
Regionally, freight movements were up to non-EU European destinations, Africa and Latin America, but down to the UK, EU, North America, Middle East and Asia Pacific.
Both Latin America and Africa saw double digit growth with the former up 23 per cent on 2018 due to additional services to Brazil and increased volumes to Mexico. Freight to and from Africa grew by 11 per cent, thanks to Virgin’s growth on routes to the continent.
In the first three months of 2019, tonnage is down 2.1 per cent to 408,173 tonnes and on a rolling 12-month basis tonnage is down 2.3 per cent to 1,676,576 tonnes.
Heathrow chief executive officer, John Holland-Kaye said: “Despite Brexit uncertainty, Heathrow remains a bright light for the UK, with the role we play in keeping people and products moving evident.
“Our new domestic connections will be pivotal in linking more regions and nations to global opportunities, benefiting all corners of this great country and we look forward to announcing many more of these as part of the expansion programme.”
