Heathrow is to overhaul its airline charges

Airlines with smaller and older aircraft are to be penalised at Heathrow according to a story in the Financial Times last week.  It is all part of competing with continental operators.

The airport, owned by Ferrovial of Spain, will raise its charges on airlines for passengers flying between UK cities from about £13 to £20, but slash fees by 25% for those who arrive on one aircraft and leave on another within 24 hours.  A fee will also be brought in for airlines’ transit passengers who arrive and leave on the same aircraft.  The way landing charges are calculated will change so the proportion based on nitrogen oxide emissions will rise from 10 to 15%.  Airlines flying quieter aircraft will get discounts.

British Airways, Heathrow’s biggest user with more than 40% of capacity, said it supported the changes broadly but had some concerns about the higher charges for its domestic fliers.  About half of Heathrow’s revenues come from airline charges, the balance raised via retail, parking, rail and property sources. www.baa.com

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