Manufacturing firms in the West of England are backing expansion at Heathrow Airport, with results of a new survey showing they believe it would be best for their sector and lead to a better balanced economy.
The report by EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, comes ahead of next Tuesday’s deadline for the Airports Commission’s final consultation on options for airport expansion. 
Heathrow is particularly important for Swindon's economy – the town's boom in the 1980s and 1990s was driven by its ability to attract foreign firms who wanted to be located close to a major international airport.
South West director Phil Brownsord said: “Expansion at Heathrow is clearly the best option for business and the country overall.
“It soars ahead of all other options in terms of frequency of flights, range of destinations and ease of access. Manufacturers believe it is best to build on this success.
“Airport capacity is critical to industry for exporting and, ultimately, for the UK economy. The Airports Commission has tackled this issue through a detailed process with extensive consultation and its final recommendation demands full support from Government. Our economy cannot wait any longer and we now need spades in the ground as soon as possible.”
According to the survey, 79% of companies back an expansion at Heathrow – with that reflected across all regions of English region and Wales and all sizes of manufacturers.
Some 77% said Heathrow’s frequency of flights was important, 75% the range of destinations and 44% timing of flights.
These are key elements of a ‘hub and spoke’ model used by most airlines operating from Heathrow. This has also been recognised by a number of regional airports which are backing Heathrow’s expansion.
Additionally, 73% of manufacturers said Heathrow was well placed on the strategic road network, allowing access from the vast majority of the country – a key aspect for freight.
The importance of aviation is especially vital to manufacturers, especially those with overseas subsidiaries and those who are major exporters. Some 40% of non-EU trade by value is sent by air, according to Department for Transport figures.
A previous EEF survey showed three quarters of companies viewed aviation as either critical or important, while 97% of export-intensive companies described aviation as critical or important. Half of UK-owned companies with an overseas subsidiary said aviation is critical to their business.
The Airports Commission was set up by the Government in 2012 to examine how the UK’s status as a leading global aviation hub can be maintained. It is looking at a third runway at Heathrow and expansion at Gatwick Airport. It will report this summer.
Last year Heathrow handled 73.4m passengers, making it one of the world's busiest airports. It is operating at full capacity.
However, building a third runway has proved highly controversial and is opposed by environmental groups.
