Pictured: Mike Ward

West Midland business leaders are calling on the Government to invest more in regional airports rather than trying to revive London's declining flight connections and full capacity.

Commenting on British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) latest aviation survey, which says that businesses see direct air links as vital to maintaining the UK's prospects in global markets, Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Group (BCCG) says Birmingham Airport is a viable solution to the South East's aviation capacity constraints.

The BCC survey found that 92 per cent of business leaders in high growth economies say direct flights are important to inward investment decisions while 62 per cent say they will only invest in the UK if flight connections are improved.

Mike Ward, president of BCCG said: "Birmingham Airport can easily double its passenger numbers and when the runway extension is completed in 2014/15, business travellers will be able to take advantage of more direct flights. 

"Birmingham Airport is the jewel in the UK's crown that just needs a little polish, rather than the Government putting  major investment into  yet another airport in the South East.

"It is vital that cities such as Birmingham can attract foreign investment so that we can grow our economy and create private sector jobs.  Aviation is vital to this growth and the runway extension which is only two years from fruition, will allow us to access new markets.

"Operators such as Turkish Airlines already fly to over 180 destinations worldwide from Birmingham Airport.

"Birmingham has so many more opportunities for business travellers and we are confident that our Airport can absorb a significant proportion of the demand from the rampant overcrowded South East."

"A balanced and sustainable economy making maximum use of regional airports is what will encourage overseas business investment decisions."