The UK Government has rubber stamped the new £344m ($455m) London City Airport expansion aimed at creating 1,600 airport jobs for staff and $1.9bn (£1.5bn) for the UK economy by 2025.

 

UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling and Communities Secretary Sajid Javid all approved the project last week, which includes an extended terminal and – most importantly – more efficient aircraft taxiways and parking to facilitate more flights to Europe – and significantly – beyond.

 

SIGNIFICANT STEP UP FOR AIRPORT

The government adds that these new plans will increase connections within the UK and Europe, as well as support business opportunities and investment. It says that the extended terminal will also provide the space needed to cope with future passenger increases.

 

 

MORE CAPACITY FOR LONDON

Commenting on the big initiative, Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond said: “London City Airport’s ambitious growth plans will boost international connections, strengthening the City of London’s links to destinations across the world, and send a clear signal that Britain is open for business.”

 

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “This is fantastic news for London and Britain as a whole. I am determined to invest in the infrastructure this country needs, to help people get around more easily, boost investment and create opportunities.

 

“London City Airport is an engine for growth in the City, serving the community in which it operates and providing a vital link to our regional airports and the rest of the country.

 

“These new plans for London City Airport will deliver jobs and business in the capital and more widely. Companies across the UK will be able to bid for construction and procurement contracts worth £294m ($389m), meaning the benefits will be felt up and down the country.”

 

CONVENIENCE FACTOR

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid added: “This decision clearly indicates that Britain is open for business. The expansion of both the airport and terminal building will provide a real boost to economic growth and job creation.

 

“Commuters also stand to benefit from the expansion of the terminal and improved facilities which will make using the airport more pleasant and efficient.”

 

The UK government added that ‘a generous compensation package’ will be provided by London City Airport to support local residents affected by the increase in air traffic to the centrally London-located facility.

 

RECORD PASSENGER NUMBERS IN 2015

Last year, London City handled a record-breaking 4.3m passengers and it is in need of expansion. The latest City Airport Development Programme (CADP) includes plans for seven new aircraft stands, a parallel taxiway and passenger terminal extension, enabling 6.5m passengers to use the airport in London’s Royal Docks by 2025.

 

Airport management adds: “For passengers, this will mean several improvements. Expansion will create world-class terminal facilities, more space, and facilitate a greater frequency of flights.

 

“It also opens up the possibility of more destination choice, with quieter, more fuel efficient, next generation aircraft unlocking the opportunity to fly greater distances to destinations in The Gulf and Middle East, Turkey, Russia and the east coast of the United States.”