Suffolk Chamber boss John Dugmore renewed the call for business to back Stansted Airport following meetings with its managing director Nick Barton.

The pair discussed the airport’s role as a key driver for the regional economy as the biggest single site employer in the region.

But with Stansted’s owners BAA likely to be weeks away from a sale of the airport and former FSA boss Sir Howard Davies beginning his aviation review, Mr Dugmore said it was vital to support the airport.

“There is a real danger of Britain falling behind its international rivals when it comes to generating links to emerging markets.” he said. “Stansted has plenty of spare capacity and can grow from its current 18m passengers a year to 35 mon its existing runway. Airlines could relocate from Heathrow to Stansted tomorrow and save millions of pounds in the process.

“There is no doubt the debate around Stansted will continue as new owners move in and the review of aviation policy continues.” John Dugmore continued. “We will ensure that the voice of business continues to be heard and that opportunities for business to come to the East of England is a high priority. That means bringing in more people via Stansted.”