Jansen Set to Become Heathrow Chairman
Heathrow Airport, Britain's largest aviation hub, is moving ahead with a £50 billion expansion plan and will appoint Philip Jensen as its next chairman this month.
Mr. Jensen, the former chief executive of BT Group and now chairman of WPP, has held discussions with some of Heathrow's major airline customers in recent weeks about the role.
Airport sources said Heathrow's board and shareholders expect his appointment as Lord Deighton's successor this week.
Mr. Jensen, whose candidacy was announced last month, was chosen based on his experience running a regulated utility company like BT.
He has also managed companies such as MyTravel, once one of Britain's largest tour operators, and Worldpay, a payment processor.
His appointment comes at a crucial time for Heathrow.
In August, the airport presented a revised expansion plan, which included a third runway at a cost of 21 billion pounds, 12 billion pounds for a new terminal and increased stand capacity, and 15 billion pounds for modernizing the current airport through the expansion of Terminal 2.
The existing Terminal 3 will eventually close.
Heathrow handled a record 83.9 million passengers last year and is adamant that a third runway is essential for the growth of the UK economy, given the volume of exports from the site.
"Expanding Heathrow has never been more important or urgent," airport Chief Executive Officer Thomas Woldby said in August.
"We are operating beyond our capacity, harming trade and connectivity."
"With the green light from the government and the right policy support, supported by a fit-for-purpose regulatory model, we are ready to begin investing in our supply chain across the country this year."
"We are in a unique position to make this happen for the country; now is the time to clear the way."
The expansion is being opposed by airlines and environmental activists concerned about a potential increase in airport usage charges.
It also faces a rival proposal from businessman Surinder Arora, who on Monday published further details of his Heathrow West blueprint, which he argues would cost around a third less than Heathrow Airport Limited's.
Mr. Arora said, "This is a once-in-a-generation moment when Heathrow is finally being expanded, something many in the airline and airport community have demanded."
"As the Secretary of State has said, expansion cannot mean 'turning the M25 into Europe's largest car park,' and Heathrow West clearly demonstrates that this is not necessary.
"We are particularly pleased to confirm that we can now avoid disruption to the M4 as well as the M25, which further reinforces the effectiveness of our plan compared to the alternative.
"Now is the time for the government to consider both of these plans, and we look forward to continued collaboration."
Heathrow's expansion has the government's support, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves saying that a third runway could "further accelerate growth, boost investment, increase exports, and make the UK more open and more connected as part of our transformation plan."
Mr. Woldby apologized in May for falling asleep during the power outage in March that caused Heathrow to temporarily close.
The airport said it would implement the recommendations of a review conducted by former Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly.
The appointment of Heathrow's new chairman comes just months after the most significant changes to its ownership structure in years.
Following several transactions over the past 12 months, French investment group Ardian now owns 32.6% of the company.
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