London Stansted Airport (STN) is celebrating a major milestone in its history – the ten-year anniversary of its acquisition by the Manchester Airport Group (MAG). This article will take a closer look at the impact of the acquisition, the growth of London Stansted Airport over the past decade, and the future plans for the airport.
Acquisition by Manchester Airport Group
In 2013, MAG acquired London Stansted Airport from BAA for £1.5 billion. The acquisition was part of MAG’s strategy to expand its airport portfolio and become a leading player in the aviation industry. At the time of the acquisition, Stansted was the fourth-busiest airport in the UK, with around 18 million passengers annually.
Impact of the Acquisition
Since the acquisition by MAG, London Stansted Airport has undergone significant growth and transformation. The airport has invested heavily in infrastructure and facilities, including the construction of a new £130 million arrivals terminal, a new multi-storey car park, and a state-of-the-art air traffic control tower.
MAG has also worked to improve the passenger experience at Stansted, introducing new retail and dining options, and enhancing the airport’s security and immigration processes. As a result, the airport has seen a significant increase in passenger numbers over the past decade.
Growth of London Stansted Airport
Over the past ten years, London Stansted Airport has seen steady growth in passenger numbers. In 2019, the airport welcomed a record-breaking 28 million passengers, making it the fourth-busiest airport in the UK. The airport’s growth has been driven by the expansion of its route network, with new destinations added to the airport’s schedule every year.
In recent years, London Stansted Airport has also worked to position itself as a hub for low-cost carriers. The airport is home to a number of budget airlines, including Ryanair and EasyJet, which have helped to make air travel more affordable for millions of people.
Future Plans for London Stansted Airport
Looking ahead, London Stansted Airport has ambitious plans for the future. The airport is currently undergoing a £600 million transformation project, which will see the development of a new arrivals terminal, a new baggage system, and improved transport links to and from the airport.
MAG is also committed to making London Stansted Airport a more sustainable and environmentally friendly facility. The airport has set ambitious targets to reduce its carbon emissions, and is exploring new technologies and initiatives to achieve these goals.
Conclusion
The ten-year anniversary of the Manchester Airport Group’s acquisition of London Stansted Airport marks a significant milestone in the airport’s history. Over the past decade, the airport has undergone significant growth and transformation, and has established itself as a key player in the UK aviation industry. Looking ahead, the future looks bright for London Stansted Airport, with ambitious plans for growth and sustainability in the years to come.
