Birmingham Int'l Airport: Sustainability the Key to Aviation Development

Birmingham International Airport (BIA) today confirmed that sustainability will continue to be at the heart of any airport expansion plans. At the same time, BIA confirmed that two initial public meetings will be held in November, to encourage local people to take part in the democratic process, with regard to the airport company's draft Master Plan - which envisages a runway extension and a new, second runway by 2030.

Commenting on the meetings, John Morris, Head of Corporate and Community Affairs, BIA said, "Our draft Master Plan will demonstrate how the airport plans to grow, in a measured and sustainable way. Forty percent of Midlanders clog up the motorways, by driving elsewhere, because Birmingham's current main runway cannot offer a full range of destinations.

The limitation is also dissuading some companies from relocating here, and means that the region sometimes misses out on new jobs".

The Airport has an excellent record of engagement with local people, and has called the meetings to ensure that they have a voice.

Political lobbying organisations play a part in policy-making; however we are determined to ensure that they do not eclipse the voices and needs of local people, many of whom are dependent upon declining traditional industries.

We want to make sure that local people, their children, and their children's children will benefit not only from an improving environment, but from the economic benefits that airport expansion will bring.

The airport has an excellent record of sustainability and environmental management, and this must go hand-in-hand with future development".

The Company had previously set a target reduction of 4% for CO2 emissions from the total energy consumption over a five year period; and actually achieved an impressive 5.7% reduction to date.

Public meetings will take place, commencing at 1900: . Friday 18th November 2005: Solihull, National Motorcycle Museum . Monday 21st November 2005: Sheldon Heath School and Community Centre

For more information please contact External Relations on 0121 767 8024/7074/7374

Notes to Editors

In 2004, 8,870,423 travellers used Birmingham International Airport

BIA is the UK's second largest airport outside London, the third largest for charter travel, and the UK's fifth largest overall.

BIA Ltd is a public/private partnership. The shareholders include the seven West Midlands district councils (49%), Aer Rianta (24.125%), Macquarie Airports Group (24.125%) and the Employee Share Trust (2.75%).

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