TRANSPORT group Stobart has welcomed Government approval for its plans to extend the runway at its London Southend airport.
Work will begin shortly with completion set to coincide with the opening of a new passenger terminal in 2011 in time for the London 2012 Olympics.
A 40-minute train link will connect the airport with the east London Olympic Park.
Stobart, which employs about 1,000 people at two transport hubs in Warrington and Runcorn, said the airport will also serve the European business and leisure sectors.
Andrew Tinkler, Stobart chief executive, said: “I am delighted that we can now make these plans a reality.
“The go-ahead for this project represents another core step in our multi-modal offering with air complementing our road, rail and sea businesses.
“The development of this strategic asset also gives us a southern logistics hub and platform for the Stobart group. The airport has fantastic potential.”
