Govt minister helps launch Birmingham masterplan

Government minister Jim Fitzpatrick joined officials from Birmingham Airport on November 29th to launch the hub's 'masterplan' for its development over coming years.

The strategy outlines how Birmingham can meet the demand of regional passengers in the future while remaining sustainable.

One of the targets outlined by the plans is to have 25 per cent of all people travelling to Birmingham Airport via public transport by 2012.

Mr Fitzpatrick said: "I'm very pleased to see Birmingham Airport setting a bold but achievable target to get more air passengers to use public transport to the airport.

"The government wants an aviation industry which meets its own environmental costs and this initiative supports that vision."

The minister also pointed out that the airport is one of the region's largest employers and will play an "increasingly important role" in supporting growth and providing the international links that are important to modern business and society.

Birmingham's plans for the coming years include an application to extend the existing runway by 405 metres, which would accommodate larger aircraft and open up possibilities for more long-haul routes for passengers.