CARGO shifted through Stansted Airport last month at almost five times the rate in October last year, new figures reveal.

Airport owner BAA said its cargo operation enjoyed its fourth month-on-month increase in a row as more than 15,000 tonnes of goods were transported through Stansted last month – a 14.2% increase on last January.

“This upturn in cargo through Stansted is encouraging news, reflecting an increase in trade and economic activity,” said commercial and development director Nick Barton. “Passenger numbers are also beginning to stabilise with rates of decline significantly down on 2009, and we remain hopeful that this area of our business will also see a return to growth towards the end of 2010.”