'Our airport forms the backbone of express freight that powers the growth of high-value industries'

EAST MIDLANDS AIRPORT MANAGING DIRECTOR STEVE GRIFFITHS MAKES THE CASE FOR ITS IMPORTANCE IN THE REGIONAL AND NATIONAL ECONOMY

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AIRPORTS have a crucial role to play in the economic fortunes not just of the regions they immediately serve, but as contributors to the UK economy.

This is borne out by statistics showing that more than half of Midlands exporters grew sales in the second quarter of this financial year, with East Midlands firms the second strongest for entering new markets in this period.

The UK Trade Barometer, developed by parent company MAG and The Growing Together Alliance of business groups, also found that 45 per cent of exporters to the US forecast growth in the next quarter, and that sales to China are set to surge in the next three months.

As the UK's number one express air freight hub, East Midlands Airport punches well above its weight in supporting global trade.

Recent figures show that growth in cargo volumes outpaced Heathrow, with more than 100,000 tonnes handled at East Midlands between May and July, which is 17.4 per cent up on the same period last year.

This contrasts with industry data that indicates that volumes of cargo carried in the belly of passenger aircraft - the majority of Heathrow's cargo - have remained largely flat year-on-year.