Steve Szalay, operations director at Southampton Airport – which is awaiting a decision on plans to extend its runway – said: “We have been working closely with the Solent LEP on their bid as the airport is a vital component to the freeport. We are optimistic about the pivotal role that we can play in repositioning and rebuilding the region.
"That is why we are calling on our councillors to approve the runway extension to ensure that we are able to continue to connect the central south, nationally and internationally.”
Peter Taylor, chair of Southampton Chamber of Commerce and managing partner at law firm Paris Smith, said: "The announcement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer for a new Freeport in the Solent region is a significant endorsement of the strategic role which the ports of Southampton and Portsmouth as well as Southampton airport have for the region and the UK. It will undoubtedly create business opportunities and jobs across the city.
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