UK Volume 21

uk.superbrands.com Superbrands UK Annual Vol.21 Heathrow is the UK’s gateway to the world . During the coronavirus pandemic , Heathrow colleagues have worked continuously to provide a safe and world-class experience for passengers choosing it for business and leisure travel Market Although Covid-19 has disrupted travel immensely in 2020, Heathrow remained open during the pandemic, consolidating its operations into Terminals 2 and 5, to facilitate repatriation flights and cargo deliveries. Through the development of increased cleaning measures, Heathrow has been diligent in following Government guidelines to help reduce the spread of the virus. Whether assisting in the transportation of PPE for NHS staff or its generous donations to the local community, Heathrow has made conscious efforts to help those most in need during the pandemic. Product Heathrow aims to ensure its passengers have an enjoyable, but also safe, airport experience. Its colleagues and partners have worked tirelessly to re-open stores and restaurants in Terminals 2 and 5, all of which accept contactless payment, for a contact-free experience. Furthermore, the Heathrow app can be used to order food and drink remotely, as well as reserve items from Heathrow Boutique, in advance of heading to the airport. Covid-19 has brought into focus the need for action in times of global crisis. In the face of climate change, and before the pandemic hit, Heathrow participated in industry plans to decarbonise aviation and reach net zero emissions by 2050. Through the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), second-generation biofuels, the industry aims to establish the basis for synthetic fuels, made directly from renewably produced hydrogen and captured carbon. UK SAF production could also generate up to £2.7bn and support 18,800 jobs, providing a stimulus in areas across the UK such as Humberside, Teesside, Wales and Scotland. Achievement In 2019 the Heathrow Employment and Skills Academy Awards celebrated 15 years. To date it has supported 5,800 people into employment, contributing £13.5m to training and career development. During 2020, an enhanced focus has been placed on ensuring the safety of staff and passengers, both through stringent cleaning measures and the participation in multiple testing trials. Recent Developments Heathrow has put many precautions in place to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. In August 2020, Heathrow began using technology to monitor and detect temperatures. Thermal screening technology was introduced, as a trial, to monitor the temperatures of multiple people moving through the airport in an effort to detect those experiencing Covid-19 symptoms. Heathrow terminal staff wear full protective equipment, relevant to their role, whilst ensuring social distancing is observed and cleaning procedures are maintained. This is in addition to the provision of more than 600 hand sanitiser stations, enhanced cleaning regimes, prominent signage featuring government health advice, Perspex barriers for frontline contact points and social distancing reminders. The airport implemented a number of pioneering technologies to thoroughly clean passenger touchpoints, including UV cleaning robots, which use UV rays to quickly and efficiently kill viruses and bacteria at night; UV handrail technology fitted to escalators to ensure continuous disinfection of the moving handrails; and anti-viral cleaning methods to security trays, lift buttons, trolley and door handles, aiming to provide long-lasting protection from Covid-19. Heathrow retrained 100 colleagues to serve as hygiene-technicians, Terminal 5 has 30 miles of baggage conveyors and 2.8 miles of tunnels DID YOU KNOW?