Heathrow's new boss has promised to complete long-awaited insulation work at schools under the flight path by April next year.

John Holland-Kaye replaced Colin Matthews as the airport's chief executive on Tuesday (July 1).

He was immediately challenged by Brentford & Isleworth MP Mary Macleod over when the airport would fulfil a decade-old commitment to install secondary glazing and ventilation at schools across Hounslow.

He pledged to complete the glazing programme by April next year, subject to support from local authorities and schools to allow the works to take place. He also said he would push for air conditioning to be installed at schools where possible

Mr Holland-Kaye made the promise after visiting two of the schools affected by aircraft noise, Cranford Primary and Hounslow Heath Infant & Nursery, and meeting Hounslow Council's new leader Steve Curran.

He also pledged to review the airport's existing noise insulation programme for schools this summer, in conjunction with council leaders from neighbouring boroughs.

"My first day as Heathrow's CEO is an opportunity to outline our commitments for the future. Improved local community engagement is at the top of the list, which is why I have prioritised these discussions today," he said.

"As I've seen and heard today, there are many opportunities for Heathrow to work in partnership with local schools. I want to make sure we are giving local children the best education and training to develop their careers at Heathrow.

"One day one of them could be doing my job - they are certainly smart enough - we just need to give them the chance to fulfil their potential."

At the schools, Mr Holland-Kaye saw some of the soundproofing measures Heathrow had already funded, including the Tellytubby-style adobe huts which enable children to be taught outdoors.

But he also heard from headteachers Kathryn Harper-Quinn, at Hounslow Heath, and Meena Walia, at Cranford, that more needs to be done.

Parents at Cranford Primary School signed a petition earlier this year opposing runway works to allow regular take-offs over Cranford, which they claimed would make the noise unbearable for staff and pupils.

Speaking after his meeting with Heathrow's new boss, Mr Curran said: "John's visit to the council on his first day in post is a result of the work this council has done over the last four weeks to lobby Heathrow for a better deal for residents affected by the airport; particularly the noise.

"Whilst Heathrow contributes massively to the local economy, this should not come at the expense of quality of life, nor children’s education.

"It was a pleasure to meet with John and I look forward to developing a mutually beneficial relationship with him.  I was delighted to agree a joint commitment between the council and Heathrow which will see us working in partnership to secure tangible improvements for our schools."