News

Airport operator BAA has submitted its plans to build a second runway at Stansted airport.

If the proposals come to fruition, Stansted would be the first airport in the south-east to get a new runway for more than 50 years.

The expansion could be complete by 2015, enabling the airport to handle 68m passengers a year by 2030.

BAA's proposal also pledged that 13,000 new jobs could be created by 2030 and £9bn could be generated for the UK economy.

'Stringent sustainability targets' were also set, with BAA claiming that, by 2030, carbon emissions from energy use could be kept level with those recorded in 2006 and 70% of waste generated by Stansted's operation will be recycled.

Sir Nigel Rudd, chairman of the airport operator, said: 'BAA is proud to reach this significant milestone in the future development of Stansted. We remain fully committed to building a second runway, a project that is central to government policy in delivering additional runway capacity in the south-east.

'This important project will bring huge benefits to the east of England and UK economy, and will increase choice and opportunity for millions of business and leisure travellers.'

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