BAA statement released 30 May 2007

Stansted expansion in the spotlight as Public Inquiry gets underway

"This is an important day for the future of Stansted Airport, and for the local community too. This independent Public Inquiry will take its time in the coming weeks to listen carefully to all points of view.

"After a great deal of consultation and study by the Government, aviation policy is very clear – the first priority is to make the best use of our existing single runway. We believe that we can do this with the minimum impact on the environment and maximum benefit to very many people.

"The fact remains that more people want to fly to more destinations, more often than ever before, and we are very confident of the case we will be presenting that says we can achieve growth in a sustainable way.

“There are huge social and economic benefits to be gained from growth at Stansted and this is an exciting opportunity that should not be lost."