Further momentum was today injected into the Stansted Generation 2 project (G2) with the timely 'call in' of the application by the Secretary of State.

Roger Pellman, G2 Project Director said:

"We welcome today's news that our Generation 2 (G2) planning application for the development of a second runway at Stansted has been 'called in'  and will now proceed to a public inquiry (next year). We are pleased the Secretary of State has acted swiftly and demonstrated their willingness to get on with the project.

"Earlier this year, BAA submitted nearly 40 separate planning applications in support of the G2 runway project following four years of detailed and comprehensive planning work to deliver a key milestone of the Government's Air Transport White Paper. We now confidently look forward to presenting our case in front of an independent inspector at the forthcoming planning inquiry.

"There are huge social and economic benefits to be enjoyed from the development of a second runway at Stansted for the East of England, London and for UKplc, and we are fully committed to maximising these opportunities for millions of air travellers while at the same time doing all we can to limit, avoid and mitigate against any environmental impacts."

For more information on Stansted's expansion plans please visit: www.stanstedairport.com/future

Further details on the public inquiry process can be found on the Government's Planning Inspectorate website at www.planning-inspectorate.gov.uk/stanstedg2inquiry