Jobs could result from Bristol Airport expansion

Thursday, 22nd January 2009

Pending expansion plans include extending the current passenger terminal and adding car parking spaces and aircraft stands.

According to airport management, there is adequate space for most of the additions on the existing site. Officials have said that the expansion programme would inject at least £340 million into the area economy.

Opponents, however, are calling the economic arguments "extremely weak."

A spokeswoman for Stop Bristol Airport Expansion, Hilary Burn, is saying that the airport's numbers do not stand up.

She noted: "Expansion at any airport, whether it be Heathrow or Bristol, makes a mockery of the government's green credentials as supposed leaders on climate change. We cannot keep growing airports and expect to make the massive cuts in carbon emissions that we need to safeguard our future."

The airport’s chief executive, Robert Sinclair, disagreed, saying that the new facilities would improve the passenger experience and lead to an increased range of flights.

"It will also help us attract tourists directly into the region, supporting the local economy," Sinclair said.

The expansion would increase Bristol Airport’s capacity from six million to 10 million passengers annually.

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