Heathrow has announced the four winning bidders to assist in expanding the airport, should permission be granted by the UK government.

Following a competitive process Arup, CH2M, MACE and Turner & Townsend have been chosen to work alongside Heathrow Airport to deliver the airport’s expansion as partners in the Programme Client. 

The news comes despite the lengthy planning battle likely to follow any government approval.

Last July the government’s independent Airports Commission recommended the expansion of Heathrow and said that it could be done within environmental limits. 

With the programme’s client partners now on board Heathrow is ready to begin the process of expansion as soon as Government gives the green light.

However, Gatwick remains in the running, with a final decision expected after the London mayoral elections.

Heathrow’s expansion programme will focus on creating a world class, sustainable hub airport which is commercially attractive to both Heathrow’s shareholders and the airlines.

Ian Ballentine, Heathrow director of procurement said: “I’m delighted that our client partners are now on board and I look forward to working with them to give the UK a truly world-class, sustainable hub airport. 

“This privately financed, £16bn project will benefit the whole UK as we work to widen the supply-chain right across the nation.”