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Heathrow whittles down potential third runway innovators to just 37

Heathrow Airport has revealed the final 37 firms who are in the running to be partners on an anticipated third runway with each shortlisted option now invited to pitch their ideas on how to deliver expansion.

In July, bosses stated how they had received more than 150 expressions of interest from companies looking to share ideas with Heathrow around sustainability, service innovation, building design, cost efficiencies and commercial concepts after it launched the invitation to businesses in April.

Those responsible for delivering expansion have been very encouraged by the response received with over 86% firms coming forward from companies outside of Heathrow’s current supply chain.

But now 37 successful entrants have progressed to the next round and have eight weeks to bring to life business cases and prove to executives that their ideas can deliver the most efficient, sustainable and affordable option

The Innovation Partner Process encouraged potential partners to share ideas on how to deliver on the promises Heathrow has made to the environment, its neighbours and the country. The only restriction imposed was all proposals must align with Heathrow’s vision and strategic objectives of improving passenger experience, driving cost efficiencies, growing commercial revenues and delivering on its sustainability targets.

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.”

Examples of ideas in the running:

  • Tata Consultancy Services: Provision of an Integrated Construction Command Centre (ICCC) for our major construction works to improve site awareness and monitor relevant real-time data. A solution that could support the complex planning, monitoring and decision-making required to control a programme of this scale.
  • Redline Aviation Security Ltd: Develop and build a fully bespoke integrated, state of the art Security Management System.
  • SITA Information Networking Computing UK Limited: Combination of innovative IT solutions which re-design terminal systems and potential layout
  • Sagoss: Combining all car parking and security requirements services into one solution that deploys innovative technology
  • Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions UK Limited: Creation of an advanced computing engine that can deal with multiple sources of data, to make quick decisions as the planning, construction and operating scenarios change.
  • Anthesis (UK) Ltd: Software platform to connect sustainability aims throughout our suppliers and partners.

The businesses that have progressed to the latest round of the search 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. 

The next stage will see a final round of business pitches, and ideas that will impact the masterplan of the expanded airport, will then be factored in to the Development Consent Order, expected to be approved in 2021.

If you would like to contact Ryan Tute about this, or any other story, please email rtute@infrastructure-intelligence.com.