MPs have overwhelmingly backed plans to build a third runway at London’s Heathrow airport. Parliamentarians backed the plans in the Commons by 415 votes to 119. Chief executive of ACE, Dr Nelson Ogunshakin OBE responded to the vote:

"It is excellent news that parliament has backed this major project and a real signal of intent that the UK has the vision to plan and deliver significant infrastructure projects. Expanding capacity at Heathrow will provide a massive boost to the industry, creating jobs and the capacity to invest in skills and will be welcomed by the entire sector.

"We just need to get on and build the project now and deliver a world-class facility that will make a real difference to UK plc."

David Barwell, chair of ACE’s major projects group, and CEO of AECOM in the UK and Ireland said:

"The plans to expand Heathrow have been years in the making, but yesterday’s vote is – finally – a significant step forward. As an industry we are now ready to lend our expertise, knowledge and support to deliver this major project of vital national interest. We can work closely with the airport, government and other stakeholders over the coming months to ensure issues like planning and finance don’t further delay delivery and we are ready to input into the detailed planning for the project, which can now begin in earnest."

ENDS