MANCHESTER Airport has revealed how it aims to establish itself as one of the world's leading 21st century airports in the next 25 years.

Many neighbours, including residents in nearby Hale Barns, have been anxiously waiting for the UK's largest regional airport to confirm how it intended to respond to the Government's 2003 Aviation White Paper.

The airport's 'Master Plan' shows it expects the number of passengers it deals with to increase from 22 to 50 million per year by 2030.

Airport bosses say there are no plans to build a third runway or fourth terminal building; instead there is an emphasis on maximising existing capacity and new technology.

But it's been revealed that the west perimeter of the airport on farmland just off the A538, near Hale Barns, has been identified for further expansion.

It's intended that the operational area will increase from 710 to 750 hectares as the apron area is expanded; with an increase in the number of flights and larger long haul aircraft using and parking at the airport.

Manchester Airport's chief executive Geoff Muirhead said: "The Government has confirmed that air travel is essential to the UK's economy and the country's continued prosperity.

"Manchester Airport is the only truly global gateway to northern Britain and has a pivotal role to play in securing growth of the UK regions and the great northern cities.

"Our airport is crucial to achieving the vision for Manchester's development as a city of national and international significance. New routes will bring jobs and investment, and open up new destinations for north west travellers and businesses."

He added: "But the draft plan also strikes a careful balance between capitalising on the massive economic and social benefits that having a major world airport located in the region brings, against the need to achieve this through sustainable development that offsets the negative impact with stringent environmental and community measures."

An extensive consultation on Manchester Airport's vision for 2030 will run until September 29 with the final version expected to be ratified at the end of 2006.

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