Airport hosts chamber visit

ONE of the UK's top business leaders joined members of the Essex business community at Stansted Airport to receive an update on its plans for future development and expansion.

David Frost, Direction General of the British Chambers of Commerce, which represents 100,000 businesses across the country, joined members of the Essex Chambers of Commerce at the briefing yesterday .

Mark Pendlington, director of communications at the airport, said: “Our message to the Chambers of Commerce today is that flying is an affordable, reliable form of transport, increasingly chosen by business travellers worldwide.

“Aviation is key to the economic prosperity of many businesses in the region and to the success of the wider UK economy.

“Any the message we get back is that business wants Stansted to grow and that we are seen as hugely important to business success.

“Over three million business travellers vote with their feet here at Stansted and we are more determined than ever to be an enterprise hub for Essex and the wider region.”

Mr Frost said it was “very useful” to see at first hand the “valuable contribution” the airport made to the local economy.

“Air travel continues to grow and Stansted will have a key role in meeting this demand,” he said.

Stansted's route network links it with 160 EU and international destinations in 37 countries.

* THE chairman of the East of England Development Agency says he supports the development of a second runway at Stansted Airport.

Richard Ellis said EEDA believes the airport can bring “significant benefits” to the region.

“The East of England has developed a strong reputation as a region where innovation and ideas flourish,” he said.

“The region has a £100billion economy - the third fastest-growing in England, and the aim for the next three years is ensure this growth continues.

“The East of England Development Agency supports Stansted's growth and the development of the second runway.”