OREANDA-NEWS. 6.2 million passengers passed through Heathrow in May 2014, an increase of 2.2% on May 2013 and a record for the month.

Air transport movements rose to 41,211, up 1.9% on May 2013.

Seats per aircraft decreased 0.1% to 202.6, whilst load factors grew by 0.4 percentage points to 75.1%. Passengers per aircraft rose 0.3% to 152.1.

Within the emerging markets, China was up 13.5%, Nigeria was up 7.6% and India was up 2.7%.

Cargo was up 6.9% globally, with Mexico increasing 54%, China increasing 38% and Brazil increasing 21%. The scale and growth of these important long haul markets shows the unique role of Heathrow as the UK's hub - other London airports like Gatwick or regional airports like Birmingham are important but no substitute for capacity at the hub.

In May Heathrow unveiled its revised proposals for a third runway, which showed how only Heathrow can connect the whole of the UK to growth. The proposals included a pledge to double cargo capacity at Heathrow.

Heathrow CEO Colin Matthews said:

“Heathrow has experienced record passenger traffic for May and cargo has also shown a strong increase this month, particularly to Mexico and China. 65% of UK air freight already travels via Heathrow. As part of our revised proposals for expansion to the Airports Commission, we said we would double cargo capacity to further improve UK export competitiveness, connecting the whole of the UK to fast growing international markets.”