And we’re off! Aviation minister joins local leaders for opening of Soton Airport runway extension

Hampshire business representatives and senior politicians were joined by UK Aviation Minister Baroness Vere last week for the official opening of the newly extended runway at Southampton Airport.

Representing a £17 million investment, five months of construction work and many more spent planning and consulting, the 164-metre extension is set to secure the airport’s viability for the future, opening up new international routes for business and leisure travel.

It will also help to deliver 2,000 new jobs in the region.

Operations Director Steve Szalay said: “We’d like to thank everyone who has supported Southampton Airport’s runway extension over the last few years, from members of the public to the local business community.

“The extension is a critical part of our future and will help enhance the region’s connectivity, safeguard the airport’s future and help deliver social and economic benefits to Eastleigh, Southampton and the wider region.”

Steve and Baroness Vere were joined for the grand opening by local MPs Paul Holmes, Caroline Noakes, Royston Smith, Alan Whitehead and Steve Brine, as well as Cllr James Duguid of Eastleigh and Cllr Eamonn Keogh of Southampton.

Together they watched the iconic World War II Spitfire – synonymous with Southampton’s proud aviation history – take off from the runway, heralding a bright future for the city.

Leigh-Sara Timberlake, Chief Executive of Business South, added: “We’re delighted that the runway extension works have now been completed.

“The airport is a significant asset to the Central South economy to facilitate regional and global connectivity.

“This is important to ensure the vitality of the region and secure future capital investment in the region from Government.”

• southamptonairport.com