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Stansted Airport's ambition to raise its global profile has received amajor boost after gaining approval to handle the world's largest airliners.　　　

The Civil Aviation Authority has awarded the UK's third busiest airportCode F status, which now allows aircraft such as the Airbus A380 and thenew Boeing 747-8 to operate from the airport.　　

The official go-ahead, which follows months of work to demonstrate theairport's operational readiness to handle these aircraft, now opens thedoor for new airline growth for both passenger and cargo operations.　　

An immediate benefit has seen Stansted named as Emirates' alternativeairport for their A380 aircraft, if they are forced to divert as aprecaution or if the destination airport is unavailable.　　

Stansted's Commercial and Development Director, Nick Barton, who along withthe airport's managing director, David Johnson, recently visited a numberof the Middle East's largest airlines who use or plan to use the A380 ,said:　　

"We're delighted to have won permission to handle the world's biggest CodeF aircraft, an achievement that will make Stansted even more attractive topotential carriers - both passengers and cargo. It's credit to the originaldesigners of Stansted who showed astonishing vision in the 1980s to createan airport capable of handling the superjets of the future.　　

"Our mission is to make sure the world's aviation decision makers know allabout the excellent, modern facilities we have on offer here at Stansted.Gaining Code F status gives us a competitive advantage as we focus our workand energy towards airlines from across the Middle and Far East, and theUSA.　　

"We have the drive, ambition and desire to succeed, and we are veryconfident we can achieve our aim of making Stansted the London airport ofchoice in the years ahead."　　

Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Air France, Lufthansa and Emirates are the fiveairlines currently using the Airbus superjumbo but many more airlines havethem on order.　　

Matthew Knowles, spokesman for ADS the UK's Aerospace, Defence and Securitytrade organisation, explained some of the environmental benefits of the newgeneration of aircraft.　　

"The Airbus A380 is more fuel efficient than a hybrid car and produces lessperceived noise at take off than that experienced by a passenger inside aLondon Underground Train. Furthermore, half of the aircraft, when fittedwith Rolls- Royce engines alongside other major contributions from Britishfirms, is made in the UK," said Mr Knowles.

The voice of business around Stansted Airport has joined thousands of others from across the East of England calling on the new coalition Government to back industry in the region. 

Julie Budden, Chair of the Stansted Airport Chamber of Commerce (pictured outside the airport) has signed up to a campaign making a clarion call to Whitehall. 

The East of England has over 450,000 businesses who contribute something in the region of £110 billion every year to the economy of the UK. 

“Businesses here around Stansted, across Essex and throughout the East of England are leading the recovery of the UK economy. We have one of the strongest economies in the nation and we are committed to working with government to build on that success,” said Julie who manages her own business JAB Services. 

“While we of course recognise that we all have a part to play in addressing the deficit, it must be in a fair and appropriate manner.” 

Last week, the coalition governments Budget announced a National Insurance holiday for new businesses up to £10,000. There is though deep concern that the East of England was made exempt from this new incentive.

“Government must invest with us because together we have the potential to drive the UK economy forward for years to come and to ensure everyone living locally has a bright future,” Julie continued. 

The Stansted Airport Chamber of Commerce (www.stanstedairportchamber.com) have joined thousands of others and signed up to an action plan published by industry leaders. 

The Space for Ideas group is made up of key players such as Adnams, GSK, AWG, Ford UK, Bio Group Ltd and others across the east. Their Blueprint for Growth calls on the government to focus on nine priorities that will drive the economy forward. 

“We need individuals, groups and business from across the local area to sign up and back the blueprint.” Julie said from outside Stansted Airport.“It is fundamental that government hears our voice at this vital time. Whether its regarding better broadband, access to finance, investment in skills or energy provision for the future, the more sign ups the more our call will be heard.”

“Simply visit www.eastofengland.uk.com/blueprint, enter your name and email address and in a few seconds you can be part of wider campaign to put our region first.” she said.

SACC working with the East of England Development Agency (EEDA)

Do you want better roads? better broadband? better access to finance? 

Businesses in the East of England are leading the recovery of the UK economy but at the same time investment in the East of England is under threat.  

Whilst we all recognise that tough decisions need to be made to prioritise government spending but there is an urgent need for businesses to articulate the case for continued investment in the East of England. 

The Space for Ideas forum which consists of some of the region's largest businesses have drafted a Blueprint for growth -making the case to government for continued support here.   

We need your support, we need you to get behind the Blueprint and to add your voice to the campaign. Registering your support couldn't be easier, we just need your name, the name of your organisation and the number of employees. 

Register your support via the SACC website or click here  

Ashley Riley - Interim Marketing Project Manager

East of England Development Agency

Attributable to David Johnston, Managing Director Stansted Airport:

"Stansted is open. However, as the airport returns to normal, it is imperative that passengers contact their airline before travelling to the airport. Not all flights will operate during the early period of opening.

We will be doing everything we can to support airlines and get people moving and appreciate the continued patience of passengers."

Due to airspace restrictions, in accordance with international regulations as a result of the on-going volcanic activity in Iceland, we anticipate that all flights in and out of Heathrow and Stansted airports will be suspended from 1200 today. Therefore, we strongly advise passengers intending to fly from this time not to travel to the airport today.

We will provide further updates as we get more information from air traffic provider NATS.