London Stansted Airport’s leading role in the UK aviation industry has once again been recognised after being ‘highly commended’ in the Airport of the Year category at the prestigious 2012 National Transport Awards.
The latest award for London’s third busiest airport follows being voted the world’s best airport for low-cost airlines for the second successive year at the World Airport Awards in April.
The ceremony, organised by Transport Times and hosted by radio and TV presenter Jeremy Pine, took place at the Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel, London and was attended by over 600 transport professionals, including the new Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin MP.
Speaking after the ceremony, Stansted Airport’s Managing Director, Nick Barton, said:
“I’m delighted and extremely proud that Stansted’s excellent service, on-time performance and first class surface access record has been recognised and ‘highly commended’ in the very competitive ‘Airport of the Year’ category at such a prestigious awards event.
“Stansted is a world-class airport with superb infrastructure operating in the fiercely competitive point-to-point air travel market. Our focus is to ensure our passengers and airlines are able to reach their destination on-time with the minimum of fuss.
“Stansted played a key role in support of the highly successful London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games where we were able to showcase our operational efficiency, customer service commitment and surface access achievements to a whole new audience from around the globe, and we look forward to a bright and exciting future as we build on this success and continue our push to do more.”
Hosting a business breakfast to kick off the day, Nick Barton, Stansted Airport's Managing Director, said: "Stansted is a key catalyst for growth and productivity in the region. We are delighted to once again host the Stansted Airport Meet the Buyers and by the tremendous response from buyers and suppliers alike. We hope that the event enables our 200 or so business partners at the airport, and the hundreds of suppliers in our community, to benefit from the airport's economic contribution and long term success."
Also attending the breakfast was Uttlesford District Council's Economic Development Officer, Simon Jackson, who said: “While the economy remains in a fragile state, there is not a better opportunity to meet quality businesses in such a short space of time.”
The quick-fire meeting concept of Meet the Buyers enables local firms to pitch their products and services to a group of carefully selected senior buyers with multi-million pound buying requirements.
Pegasus Airlines boosts long haul network from the UK as Dubai launches on18 October 2012
The Director General of the British Chamber of Commerce, John Longworth, says Stansted Airport can play an important role in boosting international trade and connectivity in support of British business.
On a special visit to the UK’s fourth busiest airport, organised by the Essex Chamber of Commerce, Mr Longworth met with Stansted’s Managing Director, Nick Barton, to discuss a wide range of issues affecting aviation and businesses competitiveness including aviation policy, infrastructure investment, export opportunities and access to finance.
Commenting after the visit, John Longworth said:
“Stansted is a superb airport with world class infrastructure. It has a burgeoning air freight market and significant spare capacity to take more flights helping to boost international trade and connectivity which is vital to British business. The UK desperately needs a coherent and comprehensive aviation policy for the short, medium and long term. Stansted clearly has a role to play.
Stansted’s Managing Director, Nick Barton, added:
“I’m delighted to have welcomed John Longworth to London Stansted Airport and have the opportunity to discuss the key issues affecting aviation and the UK economy. Both the British and Essex Chambers recognise the vast contribution aviation makes to the British economy and Stansted is no different. As the third biggest airport in London, we are a major catalyst for growth and productivity, employing over 10,000 people and contributing £400 million to the regional economy.
“With the permissions and facilities in place to serve 35 million passengers a year on our single runway, we can play a significant role in meeting the demand for point-to-point air travel in the capacity constrained south-east, helping to build the international trade links that are vital for British business and prosperity.”
26 of 40