London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Philip Jansen, former BT chief, emerges as Heathrow chairman amid £48bn airport expansion, replacing Lord Deighton.
As reported by Sky News, Philip Jansen is set to become Heathrow’s next chairman as the UK’s largest airport plans a £50bn expansion.
What role will Philip Jansen play at Heathrow’s expansion?
Philip Jansen, chair of marketing firm WPP, is in talks with Heathrow’s board and shareholders for the chairman role. Insiders said an announcement could come within weeks if talks succeed.
Mr Jansen has emerged as the leading candidate from a shortlist by Russell Reynolds Associates. His leadership at BT, a regulated utility, reportedly played a key role in his selection. He has also led companies such as MyTravel and Worldpay.
Heathrow appoints a successor to Lord Deighton, who has led the airport for nine years, amid a critical period. It revised August plan proposes a £21bn third runway, £12bn for a new terminal and stand capacity, and £15bn to upgrade Terminal 2. The current Terminal 3 is set to be permanently closed.
Why does Thomas Woldbye say Heathrow’s expansion is now urgent?
Heathrow’s chief executive, Thomas Woldbye, said in August,
“It has never been more important or urgent to expand Heathrow. We are effectively operating at capacity to the detriment of trade and connectivity.”
He stated,
“With a green light from government and the correct policy support underpinned by a fit for purpose regulatory model, we are ready to mobilise and start investing this year in our supply chain across the country.”
Mr Woldbye added,
“We are uniquely placed to do this for the country; it is time to clear the way for take-off.”
How long will Lord Deighton continue amid Heathrow board changes?
Heathrow’s annual report mentions Lord Deighton’s intention to step down, but no formal announcement has been made.
In a report he wrote,
“In light of the recent changes to the HAHL [Heathrow Airport Holdings Limited] board…the nominations committee…has asked me to extend my appointment for a limited period to help ensure a smooth transition whilst new non-executive shareholder directors become familiar with the business and a new chair is appointed.”
Mr Deighton added,
“I have therefore agreed to extend my role as chair for a limited period to ensure continuity and stability on the HAHL Board during this period of transition.”
How could a third runway boost the UK’s growth and connectivity?
Many airlines have raised concerns about Heathrow’s expansion, citing higher airport charges.
The government has backed the plan, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves saying a third runway would boost trade, investment, and national connectivity.
The airport’s next chair will lead a board dominated by representatives of key investors. It will follow the recommendations set out in former transport secretary Ruth Kelly’s review.
Heathrow’s ownership now includes 32.6% held by French group Ardian, with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund also investing.
What did Rachel Reeves say about Heathrow’s third runway?
Rachel Reeves stated,
“I have always been clear that a third runway at Heathrow would unlock further growth, boost investment, increase exports, and make the UK more open and more connected as part of our Plan for Change.”
She said,
“And now the case is stronger than ever because our reforms to the economy – like speeding up our planning system, and our strengthened plans to modernise UK airspace – mean the delivery of this project is set up for success.”
Ms Reeves added,
“So I can confirm today that this Government supports a third runway at Heathrow and is inviting proposals to be brought forward by the summer.”
The chancellor said,
“According to the most recent study from Frontier Economics, a third runway could increase potential GDP by 0.43% by 2050. 60% of that boost would go to areas outside London and the south-east.”
She stated,
“It is essential that we increase airport capacity in the UK. Two of the biggest exports from Heathrow are Scottish salmon and Scotch whisky, so this is good for the whole United Kingdom, absolutely essential to ensure the things that we make here in Britain can be exported and sold throughout the world.”
Ms Reeves added,
“And the applications that have come in will include investment in the infrastructure, for example, the changes around the M25 to make airport expansion necessary. But airport expansion is essential if we’re going to seize the opportunities, and this Government are absolutely determined to seize the opportunities that come from being an open trading economy.”
What did Sadiq Khan say about Heathrow’s third runway plans?
London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has threatened legal action against the government’s proposal for a third runway at Heathrow.
He said the third runway would have a “severe impact” on air quality and noise, putting Britain’s climate goals at risk.
The mayor stated,
“I remain opposed to a new runway at Heathrow airport because of the severe impact it will have in terms of noise, air pollution and meeting our climate change targets. I remain unconvinced that you can have a new runway at Heathrow, delivering hundreds of thousands of additional flights every year, without a hugely detrimental impact on our environment.”
How did Alex Chapman criticize government support for Heathrow expansion?
Alex Chapman, an economist at the NEF, stated,
“It is very concerning that the chancellor appears to be basing her support for Heathrow expansion on a figure from a report commissioned by Heathrow airport.”
He said,
“Even more worrying is the fact that the methodology they have applied is one that the Department for Transport has previously decided is not fit for purpose, and that the report uses forecast data supplied by the airport itself.”
Mr Chapman stated,
“Heathrow expansion represents a major threat to the UK’s climate goals and flies in the face of scientific advice. To ensure that the claimed economic benefits are concrete, assessments should be carried out by independent government economists following best-practice methodology.”
He added,
“NEF’s analysis has identified a wide range of weaknesses in the economic case, which have emerged since it was last fully appraised in 2015. Not least, the decline of business air travel, the surge in outbound leisure travel and the negative impacts on wider regions of the UK – all of which erode the potential growth benefit.”
How many passengers can Heathrow handle now and after expansion?
Heathrow Airport handled a record 83.9 million passengers in 2024, surpassing its previous record.
The airport is operating at 99% capacity, with its existing two-runway system designed to handle about 480,000 flights per year, putting significant pressure on its terminals.
A proposed third runway could increase the airport’s capacity to handle up to 150 million passengers annually.