London Heathrow Airport has reported record numbers of passengers during 2013. Some 72.3 million passengers used Heathrow during 2013, an increase of 3.4% over last year’s figures. Passenger satisfaction was also at a record high with 75% rating their experience excellent or very good, compared to 48% in 2007.
Revenue rose by 11.3% to £2.5 billion with EBITDA performance up 23.1% to £1.4 billion that supported record £1.3 billion capital investment. The airport owners posted a pre-tax profit of £426 million, including £292 million gain on sale of Stansted airport.
“Heathrow performed strongly in 2013 with passenger satisfaction reaching record levels,” said Colin Matthews, Chief Executive Officer of Heathrow. “The construction phase of Terminal 2 was completed and the opening in June will be another major step in the transformation of Heathrow. We also welcomed the Airports Commission’s interim report shortlisting our proposal for a third runway. We are now asking for views so we can refine our proposal to suit the needs of the UK and the needs of the local community.”
However, due to the Civil Aviation Authority ruling that the airport could not increase landing charges and indeed needs to begin to cut them by 1.5% annually, the owner has stated that it has begun a £22 million restructuring plan that includes reducing the 1000-strong workforce of its central organisation.