More than 30 firms have been shortlisted to submit bids on how to deliver Heathrow Airport's third runway expansion programme.

Airport Chiefs have selected 37 companies to progress to the next round, with entrants now being given eight weeks to bring to life their business cases ready to pitch to the airport's top executives.

Over 150 ideas were received by the airport, with 86% of these expressions of interest coming from companies outside of Heathrow's current supply chain. Businesses that have successfully made it through to the latest round come from a range of sectors including retail, logistics and airline partners. Ideas also have a range of focusses including efficient cargo management systems, state of the art IT programmes and security solutions.


Emma Gilthorpe, Executive Director of Heathrow Expansion said: "Our Innovation Partner Process is further evidence of us wanting to work with anyone who wants to legitimately challenge our way of thinking and work with us.

"We do not have the monopoly on great ideas and those going through to the next round, have clearly evidenced innovative ways of finding approaches and implementation that will benefit our communities and country.

"We are excited for the next round in this search, as those wanting to help us build a legacy for future generations and travellers, are one step closer to having a global platform with Heathrow."

(LM/MH)