Arora Group unveils Heathrow Airport West expansion plan with Bechtel to deliver efficient, sustainable growth

Credit: The Arora Group

Following the Department for Transport’s request for proposals to expand Heathrow Airport (LHR), the Arora Group has confirmed it will submit plans for “Heathrow West”, an alternative scheme designed to deliver a world-leading expanded airport with a strong focus on cost efficiency, sustainability and timely delivery.

To advance the proposal, the Arora Group has created a wholly owned company, Heathrow West Limited. It will work with Bechtel, one of the world’s leading firms in airport engineering and construction. Bechtel has an extensive portfolio that includes Hamad International Airport in Doha, Western Sydney International Airport and longstanding work at London airports. More recently it has been appointed delivery partner for three new terminals at King Salman International Airport in Riyadh, and as Capital Portfolio Partner for Perth Airport. As part of Alterra Partners, a consortium with Singapore Changi Airport, Bechtel also acted as airport owner and developer, managing concessions and expansions at London Luton, Jorge Chávez in Lima, Juan Santamaría in San José and Curaçao Airport in the Netherlands. Other expert partners include Scott Brownrigg Architects, Doig+Smith, Haskoning and NACO.

The Heathrow West scheme proposes a modernised Terminal 6, to be located west of the current Terminal 5, alongside a new 2,800 metre runway. Together these will deliver capacity for airlines, passengers and cargo in line with the Government’s ambition for economic growth.

Key benefits include:

• Reduced land take and lower disruption to local residents and businesses

• Potential for an expanded public transport hub, supporting sustainable travel

• A stronger business case, offering cost efficiency to passengers, airlines, freight forwarders and retail businesses

• Simpler and less disruptive construction that avoids the major risks of building across the M25

• A collaborative approach with airlines, passengers, communities and businesses to secure environmental improvements

Credit: The Arora Group

Surinder Arora, Founder and Chairman of the Arora Group, said: “After a decade working with our world leading design and delivery team, I am very proud that the Arora Group can finally unveil to the UK Government our Heathrow West proposal, which directly meets and supports the United Kingdom’s primary objective of unlocking economic growth at the UK’s only hub airport, with a strong commitment of doing so on budget and on-time.

“I am so proud to stand alongside Bechtel, and their record of delivering almost 200 airport projects, on these detailed plans. The Heathrow West proposal delivers squarely on the Secretary of State’s and Chancellor’s ambition to obtain planning permission by the end of this Parliament, with a fully operational runway by 2035.

“The Arora Group has a proven track record of delivering on time and on budget projects including in and around Heathrow Airport. We are delighted that the Government has taken a common sense approach to invite proposals from all interested parties for the very first time rather than granting exclusivity to the current airport operator, no matter its track record.

“I want the UK to succeed. To do this, the UK Government’s Plan for Change needs to succeed and we want to play our part in order to make this happen. Our project will generate employment and skills training opportunities across every region of the UK.”

Carlton Brown, CEO of Heathrow West, said: “The setting up of a wholly owned and dedicated business to an expanded Heathrow will enable us to dedicate the time and focus needed with a wide range of stakeholders, not least airlines, communities and business.

“Heathrow West will have a Board that comprises members with proven track records in governance, finance, construction, aviation and sustainability. Furthermore, Heathrow West will be committed to working with airlines to adapt its design to ensure it provides value for money and operational resilience, while promoting technological innovation.

“Ultimately, I want to see Heathrow help Britain become the best-connected nation in the world and facilitate the trade and inward investment our UK economy needs in order to compete with the rest of the world. There is no reason as to why the UK’s only Hub cannot out compete not just its European rivals, but also Dubai, Singapore and others.”

Delivering on cost

The Arora Group has consistently underlined the importance of resilience and affordability in Heathrow’s expansion. Its proposal offers operational benefits and savings, aiming to reduce airline and passenger charges and strengthen Heathrow’s global competitiveness. Combining Arora and Bechtel’s extensive construction expertise, particularly around airport-adjacent developments, provides a strong platform for efficient delivery. A shorter runway, fewer dependencies and a clear mobilisation path all point to the target timeframe being achievable, if not exceeded, with a more cost-effective outcome.

Delivering on sustainability

The project is designed to reduce the overall construction footprint and is targeting a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating for both construction and operation. The sustainability strategy prioritises lower carbon emissions, protection of the green belt, river restoration, blue and green buffers, and enhanced cycling and walking routes. Heathrow West will also work closely with the Environment Agency and other stakeholders to ensure environmental integrity, local amenity and a lasting social legacy.

Delivering on time

One of the scheme’s main advantages is avoiding the need to construct across the M25, which cuts risk and cost. Heathrow West has developed management and logistics plans that will streamline construction while minimising disruption. This includes an “outside-in” phasing strategy that reduces the construction footprint over time, multiple site access points and the use of off-site fabrication and modular methods. These measures will keep work largely within the airport boundary and allow delivery within ten years, ensuring Heathrow West becomes operational within the Government’s timeframe.

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