Heathrow connects Scotland to 94% of the world’s economy, providing crucial connections to and from Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Kirkwall and Sumburgh. This vital connectivity supports over £570 million worth of trade and investment per year supporting 468,000 jobs. Heathrow’s proud of its connectivity to Scotland, and Edinburgh remains one of Heathrow’s most popular routes having joined the ‘Millionaire Club’ in 2024 with over a million passengers travelling on this route.
Heathrow’s support for Scottish business goes far beyond facilitating tourism and business travel. As the UK’s only hub airport, Heathrow handles 48% of all UK air cargo and in 2023 facilitated over £34 million worth of Scottish exports. From high-value machinery to whiskey and salmon – if you’re flying out of Heathrow in 2025, the chances are, there’s Scottish products underneath you in the belly hold of the plane. Heathrow’s always looking to champion Scottish exporters, so if you export via air cargo, get in touch with Sarah Ralphs, External Affairs Lead, by email sarah.ralphs@heathrow.com.
Beyond exports and passenger travel, Scottish businesses also play a vital part in the airport’s supply chain. Heathrow’s brand-new annual Investment Impact Report outlines how the airport’s £1.1 billion investment in 2024 reaches every corner of the UK – from its £191 million upgrade to security lanes to resurfacing one of the runways. Between December 2023 and December 2024, Heathrow spent £10 million across its almost 40-strong supply chain partners in Scotland.
2025 brings even more opportunities for Scottish businesses to work with the world’s busiest airport. Towards the end of 2024 Heathrow announced a £2.3 billion accelerated investment plan to upgrade the airport over the next two years. This is the largest private sector capital investment in UK transport infrastructure, with an increase of almost a quarter of a billion compared to previous estimates. This increased investment serves to support growth and deliver the UK’s industrial strategy, supporting industries that rely on our global connectivity for trade and tourism.
Heathrow wants to work with Scottish businesses to deliver this investment programme and to achieve its vision is to be an extraordinary airport, fit for the future. Get in touch with the team to find out more about Heathrow’s supply chain opportunities.
How to get involved Heathrow’s supply chain:
Heathrow is committed to building a successful and innovative supply chain built around SMEs. If your business is interesting in working with Heathrow get in touch with the team at procurement@heathrow.com. Alternatively, you can find out more about working with Heathrow here: heathrow.com/company/doing-business-with-heathrow