LONDON Stansted Managing Director, Gareth Powell, has hailed the resilience and ambition of exporters across the East of England, after new data revealed that businesses in the region are expanding sales and entering new international markets despite global challenges.
The latest UK Trade Barometer, published last week by the airport’s parent company MAG, showed that 49% of the region’s exporters increased sales in Q2, while 37% entered new markets, from established territories such as the US and Germany to emerging economies including Brazil and China.
Mr Powell said the findings underline the East of England’s importance as one of the UK’s most globally connected and economically influential regions. He added that London Stansted is set to play an even greater role in driving this growth through its ambitious sustainable development plans, which include proposals to increase its annual passenger capacity to 51 million within existing permissions and boundaries, ensuring growth is delivered responsibly.
Alongside this, Stansted is investing £1.1 billion in a transformation programme, with a £600 million terminal extension at its centre. The project will deliver a brighter, more spacious terminal with new seating, shops, bars, and restaurants, as well as upgraded lounges and security. It is expected to double Stansted’s annual economic contribution to £2 billion and create thousands of new jobs.
Managing Director, Gareth Powellsaid:
“The East of England and London together form a powerhouse of global trade and innovation, with world-leading strengths in tech, life sciences, agriculture, and advanced manufacturing. Businesses here are not just weathering uncertainty; they are actively driving growth that benefits the whole region.
“At London Stansted, we are proud to play a central role in that ambition. From welcoming around 30 million passengers a year and flying to more European destinations than any other UK airport, to handling more than 220,000 tonnes of cargo annually, we provide the international connections that businesses and communities across the region depend on.”
London Stansted’s location places it on the doorstep of one of the UK’s most dynamic economic corridors, home to global companies such as Google, Microsoft, GSK, and Raytheon, and world-class institutions like the University of Cambridge, all of which rely on strong international links to reach new markets and collaborate across borders.
Mr Powell added:
“Looking ahead, one of our top priorities is attracting more long-haul airlines. Just last month we announced Turkish Airlines will join us in March 2026 as it launches 14 weekly flights to its hub at Istanbul. This service will also provide convenient access to 79 onward destinations in Asia and Australia and 56 more across Africa. This is on top of the double-daily service from Emirates connecting to over 150 global destinations via Dubai.
“There is strong demand, particularly from businesses in Cambridge and the wider tech corridor, for direct connections to destinations such as Boston, the US West Coast and Asia. Meeting this demand will strengthen the region’s role as a global leader in innovation and trade.
“Despite global uncertainties, exporters across the East of England are seizing opportunities to grow. At London Stansted, we are determined to match that ambition by providing the connections, capacity, and facilities needed for success on the world stage.”
