EEDA welcomes air expansion plans

EEDA will be outline the benefits of Stansted Airport's expansion

Airport expansion in the East will bring growth and economic development to the region, argues the East of England Development Agency (EEDA).

Steve Cox, a head of development at EEDA, will be outlining the benefits of expansion in a speech to business leaders in London on Tuesday.

In the region plans to expand Luton Airport and Stansted Airport are facing heavy opposition from local residents.

Mr Cox will also outline the need for improved transport link.

Mr Cox said: "There are clearly important issues to be overcome to ensure the sustainable development of aviation expansion; these obviously include looking at the environmental implications of growth.

"However there are huge benefits to the expansion of air travel in the east of England such as increased inward investment and a resulting significant improvement in the transport network to support growth.

"There are many examples I could give which would show the benefit of growth, just one would be how small and medium sized companies use low cost flights to explore markets, meet customers and network across Europe.

"A real competitive advantage for the east of England."