£1.1bn transformation wows London business leaders
Members from the London Chamber of Commerce were given a glimpse into the future on Monday (Jan 27) during a visit to London Stansted to see how its £1.1 billion transformation is progressing.
The delegation saw first-hand how the airport is pushing ahead with its terminal extension, improving passenger facilities, and advancing its plans for sustainable growth with its Sustainable Development Plan (SDP).
The transformation, which will enable the airport to handle 43 million passengers a year, is set to create 5,000 jobs and help secure links to more global destinations for London’s businesses and communities.
Gareth Powell, London Stansted’s Managing Director, said:
"The airport was delighted to welcome the London Chamber of Commerce and we hope that they left us better informed about all the exciting work going on here at the airport. The visit was a great opportunity to showcase the significant investment we are making to improve facilities and provide an update on our work to deliver an even greater choice of destinations for our passengers.
“Our investment isn’t just about expanding the airport; it’s about doing it responsibly with projects like a new solar farm and EV charging stations and training the next generation of aviation professionals through our ground-breaking education programmes.”
The highlight of the visit was a tour of Stansted Airport College, the UK’s first purpose-built aviation college at an airport. Opened in 2018, the college has 500 students training in skills ranging from aircraft maintenance and airport operations, creating a vital talent pipeline for the airport.
Karim Fatehi OBE, Chief Executive of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said:
“We were impressed by the scale and ambition of London Stansted’s transformation. The £1.1 billion terminal extension, its focus on sustainability, and the incredible work being done at Stansted Airport College demonstrate the airport’s commitment to supporting the economy and future talent. The visit reinforced the critical role aviation plays in connecting London to the world and driving sustainable economic growth.”
London Stansted’s £1.1 billion transformation programme is now fully underway, with several key projects already making significant progress. These include the development of a new on-site solar farm, the introduction of barrierless access to the express set-down area, and a new domestic baggage reclaim facility, all aimed at enhancing the passenger experience.
The airport will also soon begin engaging in more detail with the local community on its draft Sustainable Development Plan. This plan will help shape the future of London Stansted over the next 20 years, as the airport looks to make best use of its existing single runway.