OREANDA-NEWS. In an open letter to the Airports Commission published today, 23 Chambers of Commerce representing over 40,000 businesses from across the UK have outlined the unique benefits a stronger hub at Heathrow would bring to British business.

As one of only 6 airports worldwide with more than 50 long haul routes, the Chambers recognise that only an expanded Heathrow is capable of keeping all of Britain at the heart of the global economy by continuing to put on the flights that drive tourism, inward investment and connect British business to the fast growing markets in Asia and South America.

Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye said:

"More and more people across the UK are recognising the critical role Heathrow plays in the success of the British economy. Business is telling the Commission that Heathrow is geographically in the best location, is the only airport that can deliver flights to the world's growth markets and the only option that has exports front and centre of its expansion plans.

With over 25% of all British exports going through Heathrow, compared to only 4% at Gatwick, businesses up and down the country are making it clear that Heathrow is the only option that can help Britain with the race for growth."

The Chambers called on businesses across the UK to support Heathrow during the Airports Commission's national consultation or risk the UK falling behind European hub rivals.

Ensuring the whole of the UK is connected to growth is central to Heathrow's proposals for expansion. The airport has established an independent National Connectivity Task Force, charged with developing concrete policy proposals and recommendations for improving regional access at an expanded Heathrow. Members include representatives of national airports, Chambers of Commerce, Local Enterprise Partnerships, business people from around the UK and airlines. A final report from the Task Force is due before the end of 2014 and will inform on-going discussions with the Airports Commission on airport capacity expansion in the south east.