Stansted chief praises region's resilience on world stage

The latest UK Trade Barometer, published by the airport’s parent company MAG, showed that 49 per cent of the region’s exporters increased sales in Q2, while 37 per cent entered new markets, from established territories such as the US and Germany to emerging economies including Brazil and China.

Powell said the findings underlined the region's importance as one of the UK’s most globally connected and economically influential regions. And he tipped the airport to play an even greater role in driving the region's growth through its own ambitious sustainable development plans.

These include proposals to increase annual passenger capacity to 51 million within existing permissions and boundaries, ensuring growth is delivered responsibly.

Stansted is also investing £1.1 billion in a transformation programme with a £600 million terminal extension at its centre. The project will deliver a brighter, more spacious terminal with new seating, shops, bars, and restaurants, as well as upgraded lounges and security. It is expected to double Stansted’s annual economic contribution to £2 billion and create thousands of new jobs.

Powell said: “The East of England and London together form a powerhouse of global trade and innovation, with world-leading strengths in tech, life sciences, agriculture and advanced manufacturing. Businesses here are not just weathering uncertainty they are actively driving growth that benefits the whole region.

“At London Stansted, we are proud to play a central role in that ambition. From welcoming around 30 million passengers a year and flying to more European destinations than any other UK airport, to handling more than 220,000 tonnes of cargo annually, we provide the international connections that businesses and communities across the region depend on.”

Stansted’s location places it on the doorstep of one of the UK’s most dynamic economic corridors, home to global companies such as Arm, AstraZeneca, Google, Microsoft, GSK and Raytheon and world-class institutions including the University of Cambridge, all of which rely on strong international links to reach new markets and collaborate across borders.

He added: “Looking ahead, one of our top priorities is attracting more long-haul airlines. There is strong demand, particularly from businesses in Cambridge and the wider tech corridor, for direct connections to destinations such as Boston, the US West Coast and Asia. Meeting this demand will strengthen the region’s role as a global leader in innovation and trade.

“Despite global uncertainties, exporters across the East of England are seizing opportunities to grow. At London Stansted we are determined to match that ambition by providing the connections, capacity and facilities needed for success on the world stage.”

To read MAG’s UK Trade Barometer press release see https://mediacentre.stanstedairport.com. Powell’s full blog can be accessed via https://mediacentre.stanstedairport.com/london-stansted-connecting-the-east-of-england-to-the-world/