Rival plans unveiled for Heathrow expansion

Rival plans for London Heathrow expansion have been unveiled today by the Arora Group.

Designed by architects Corgan, the proposals claim to be less costly and less disruptive than those already on the table.

Known as the ‘Western Hub’, the new terminals are designed to provide capacity for over 50 million additional passengers at a cost of £14.4 billion, which Arora claims is less than half the cost of the proposals from the existing airport company, Heathrow Airport Limited.

Arora’s plans concentrate new terminal capacity on the western side of Heathrow, between the existing Terminal 5 and the M25, which Arora says would avoid the ‘far more expensive and disruptive’ redevelopment of the existing Terminals 2 and 3.

Instead of building new, independent terminal buildings, the Western Hub integrates new passenger facilities with T5 into a single hub campus.

At the heart is a new central concourse, serving as a ‘single front door’ for all 85 million passengers using the Western Hub.

Arora claims the central concourse will provide fast and easy access to both Terminal 5 and to the new Terminal 6.

An elevated bridge concourse will allow easy navigation underneath for aircraft and panoramic views over the airfield for passengers.

Surinder Arora, founder and chairman of the Arora Group, said: "Our approach has been to work closely with airlines and to employ the world’s best and most experienced airport designers and these benefits are clearly evident in our Western Hub plans.

"Heathrow has been in monopoly control for too long and our proposals show what can be achieved through an alternative approach and Heathrow fully welcoming competition.

"We welcomed Monday’s consultation from the CAA. It is helpful to have talks in place and we are eager to work with all parties to realise the best solution for Heathrow."

A spokesperson from British Airways parent IAG said: "Competition at Heathrow is critical to keeping costs low and we call on the Government to break up the airport’s monopoly and allow third parties to run terminals. The Arora proposal looks very interesting and deserves to be properly evaluated so that customers can get the best facilities at the most affordable price".

Craig Kreeger, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, added: "Heathrow expansion is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to challenge the status quo and build the right airport for the future. Arora have developed a plan that will bring down the cost of construction and inject competition at the UK’s hub airport.

"At first look, this plan appears to be a credible alternative. Virgin Atlantic believes passionately in the benefits of competition to consumers, so we urge all involved in Heathrow expansion to give the Arora plan serious consideration."

But in a statement this morning, Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye was quick to dismiss the proposals.

"We welcome the fact that the Arora Group support a northwest runway at Heathrow, but we’re bemused that they have chosen now to release new plans which look a bit like the emperor’s new clothes – the more you look, the less there is to see," he said.

"Not only do their proposals now cost more, but they show a complete lack of understanding of airport operations and disregard for those living closest to the airport. If these were serious plans, they should have been submitted for public scrutiny to the independent Airports Commission years ago, along with 50 other competitive proposals. The fact that Mr Arora didn’t do so then, makes you question his motives now.

"I have met with Mr Arora several times to see how we can work together to deliver the integrated hub airport capacity that Britain needs. Each time he has refused to engage with us. We have now set up a competitive process for potential partners to make a material contribution to expanding Heathrow in a way that is sustainable, affordable and financeable. If Mr Arora really wants to help make Heathrow the best connected hub airport in the world and keep Britain at the heart of the global economy, this is his chance to do so."