Stansted unveils long-term plan for ‘sustainable growth’ over next 20 years

Stansted has published its long-term plan for sustainable growth over the next 20 years.

The draft Sustainable Development Plan (SDP) outlines how the airport intends to make best use of its existing single runway.

It also explained what it will do to continue maximising the benefits and managing the impact of the airport’s operation for local communities.

This includes:

1. How passenger travel to and from the airport will evolve in the years ahead and how the airport will mitigate any impact of this
2. The extent of the airport’s economic contribution and how this will grow as Stansted’s number of passengers and destinations grow
3. Infrastructure and access improvements, including further work to M11 Junction 8 and funds for local bus services, local roads and sustainable transport developments
4. Increased support for the Stansted Airport College offering more places to students to grow their careers in aviation

As part of the updated plan, Stansted forecasts the airport could handle between 48-51 million passengers annually in the 2040s.

A spokesperson said the airport is committing to welcome this higher number of passengers without an increase in the existing number of permitted flights and to do so within the existing airport boundary.

Increased passenger numbers will come from airlines planning to use larger models of modern, efficient aircraft than previously forecast, they added.

“This will enable more people to fly on each plane, and the airport to welcome more passengers while keeping permitted levels of aircraft arrivals and departures the same,” said the spokesperson.

The new plan comes after Stansted announced a five-year £1.1bn investment programme that will deliver wide-ranging benefits to passengers and help secure links to even more global destinations.

At the heart of the transformation is a £600m extension to the airport’s existing terminal, which aims to create a “bright, spacious environment with more seating areas plus new shops, bars and restaurants”.

Gareth Powell, Stansted managing director, said: ““We’re proud of the role we play locally, have always taken our responsibilities seriously and will continue to do so as we make best use of our existing single runway, providing even more employment opportunities and working closely with local businesses to help them grow as the airport does.

“Over the coming months, we will be engaging widely with our local community on what the plan will involve, to ensure those who live and work near the airport and those who take advantage of the connectivity we provide get a chance to help shape the airport’s future.”