BUSINESS LIVE: Heathrow lifted by Thanksgiving; GSK treatment approval; Hipgnosis sells assets

Heathrow traffic was lifted by Thanksgiving and Diwali trade in November, with Britain’s busiest airport urging collaboration between Government and industry to drive the production of sustainable aviation fuel after it took part in the first transatlantic flight using the technology.

November traffic was up 10.2 per cent to around 6.1 million, bringing 2023 passenger numbers to 72.5 million, up 30.2 per cent year-on-year.

Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said:

‘For so many, holidays and cultural festivities are all about spending quality time with friends and family. Last month saw passengers travelling to celebrate Thanksgiving and Diwali with their loved ones, and we are making final preparations for the Christmas getaway.

‘We need to protect these benefits of aviation in a world without carbon, which the history making 100% SAF transatlantic flight proved is possible.

‘Now we need collaboration between Industry and Government who both have critical deliveries, to scale up SAF production to make 100% SAF flights an everyday reality.’

Saudi Arabia could become the majority owner of Heathrow Airport according to a report suggesting that fellow investors in the hub are ready to sell up.

The speculation comes after the country’s sovereign wealth fund together with French private equity firm Ardian recently agreed a deal to buy a 25 per cent stake in the airport for £2.4billion from Ferrovial.