Heathrow named as Olympic airport

12/08/2011

Leo Stevens

The London 2012 Games can now add Heathrow Airport to its growing list of sponsors after a deal was reached between the two parties, it has been revealed.

The deal makes sense as it is estimated that approximately 80% of people travelling to the UK specifically for the Olympics will use Heathrow, including athletes, officials, sponsors, media and spectators.

The agreement also means that Heathrow becomes the official host airport of the London Olympics, which get underway next July.

Moreover, August 13 next year, the day after the Olympics finish, is expected to be Heathrow's busiest day ever.

On that day, 218,000 bags are expected to leave the airport. The airport's last busiest day saw just 160,000 bags processed.

Heathrow baggage processing officials will have their work cut out for them as 15 per cent of the bags will be large items like canoes, vaulting poles or bikes.

Baggage drop facilities and a temporary baggage check-in terminal at the Olympic Village are some options being considered to cope with the extra demand.

"The first impression will reflect London 2012 in terms of branding but crucially by providing the warmest of welcomes to the city", London 2012's commercial director Chris Townsend said.