BAA’s new Chief Executive, Colin Matthews, addressed more than 200 guests at Stansted Airport’s summer reception held last week at Duxford Imperial War Museum.

In a keynote speech to business leaders, council and airline representatives he pledged to deliver additional runway capacity at Stansted.

“This is an ideal opportunity to share with you two of the top priorities I have set for BAA,” said Mr Matthews. “First for us, is to achieve consistent high standards of customer service – and that means to our airline customers as well as travellers. I am determined to deliver continuous improvement in standards across all service areas. And that applies to Stansted as much as it does to Heathrow and elsewhere.

“Second, is to demonstrate my commitment and that of BAA to the delivery of additional runway capacity to meet future demand for UK air travel – and that includes a second runway at Stansted.

“The project will bring significant benefits to the East of England and to the UK as a whole, and over 13,000 new jobs will be created. The development will support plans for regional