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AIRPORT PICKUPS LONDON

Its Nothing But Progress At Stansted
25 - Jan - 2014

It’s nothing but progress at Stansted!

Stansted Airport has started 2014 positively!  On the back of rising passenger numbers and the CAA’s decision to make no changes at the airport, the announcement that last year’s ‘Meet The Buyers’ event was a record breaking one has catapulted the airport into the limelight!  The event brought in business deals generated by companies in the first 6 weeks of 2014 totalling £323,000, a massive increase of 50% in comparison to 2012’s event!

Research conducted after the event also estimated that more than £1.5 million of new contracts will probably come from companies based in the East of England.  Organised by Stansted Airport, run by BE Group and Marketing Kinetics, and held in October last year, the event saw 199 companies involved; and it appears that many were more than satisfied!  Green Duck Ltd, a technology company, said that ‘Meet The Buyers’ helped them win a £1,000 training contract, and IRS Girod, signmakers in Norfolk, left the event with a £100,000 deal! 

Chris Wiggan, Stansted Airport’s Head of Public Affairs and Sustainability said: “These are incredible figures which clearly demonstrate that ‘Meet The Buyers’ is a valuable business and networking event for both buyers and suppliers from across the East of England.  With a growing international airport and a thriving entrepreneurial spirit, this region has a lot to offer UK Plc and is at the heart of driving forward economic growth and opportunities.”

Spurred on by recent success, Manchester Airports Group (MAG), who own London Stansted, is planning to pitch the airport as a low-cost hub to a long-haul carriers as it aims to broaden its appeal.  They are looking to bring intercontinental carriers to the airport, such as Dubai-based Emirates, which will be a welcomed addition to flights currently being operated by EasyJet and Ryanair.

There are also further enhancements to the airport including fast-track security, valet parking and airport lounges, to hopefully draw the full-service airlines to the airport that sites 35 miles north of London.  Neil Thompson, Chief Financial Officer at Stansted said: “Broadening our product offering is a key enabler to bring those airlines in, as we’ve done with Emirates and Etihad at Manchester.”

Looks like London Stansted airport is going to be a force to be reckoned with!

By Oliver Derek