Heathrow Airport today unveils 18 sites which are in the running to benefit from its third runway.
Bosses announced 18 locations on its shortlist to host “logistics hubs” for offsite construction for major parts of the controversial £14billion project.
Transport chiefs want to build as much of the facility as possible outside the congested South East.
Some 65 places were on the longlist, all of which were visited during a nationwide tour that finished last summer.
Places whose chances of being picked are boosted today include ABP in Cardiff, Lillyhall in Cumbria, British Steel in Scunthorpe and Burton Superhub in Burton-on-Trent, Staffs.
The winners will be announced early next year, with work starting in 2021.
The runway could be completed by 2026, depending on legal battles and planning permissions.
Those eventually chosen will be “key to kickstarting the nationwide benefits that Heathrow expansion will bring – creating jobs and economic opportunities up and down the country years before the additional trade and tourism that will follow from unlocked runway capacity”, the airport said.
Heathrow’s executive director for expansion, Emma Gilthorpe, will tell the British Chambers of Commerce conference in London today: “Heathrow is as committed as ever to creating a plan that delivers for every corner of the UK.
“Logistics hubs are key to achieving that.
“This innovative approach will be more cost effective, efficient and sustainable, helping to unlock much-needed capacity quickly and responsibly.”
British Chambers of Commerce co-executive director Claire Walker said: “A strong skills base and high-performing infrastructure network are vital to securing the UK’s economic future in the long-term.
“We are pleased that Heathrow is consulting with so many business communities from the Chamber of Commerce Network to ensure that its expansion plans can benefit the whole of the country.”