EXPANSION of Heathrow Airport could create 12,300 jobs and £10bn of economic growth for the South West - 1,600 jobs in Swindon and Wiltshire area by 2050 - it was revealed today.

The figures were released as Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin refused to rule out a further delay to the decision on where to put new airport capacity in the South East of England.

Mr McLoughlin said he "hoped" that the Government would be in a position to choose between the options at Heathrow and Gatwick by next summer.

David Cameron had promised a decision on the issue by Christmas after the detailed review by Sir Howard Davies concluded that a new runway at Heathrow was the best of three shortlisted possibilities.

The option to expand Heathrow has already been backed by Business West's Swindon and Wiltshire Initiative, saying: “Heathrow is our hub airport, and one of only six airports worldwide with more than 50 long haul routes.

"We need it to expand to continue to put on the flights that drive tourism, inward investment and connect our businesses to key markets in places like China, India, Brazil.”

Heathrow said today that it has full confidence in its new expansion plan and pledged to work with Government to deliver the UK the hub capacity it needs within tough environmental limits. 

Its new plan is intended to ensure it meets UK carbon and EU air quality targets, there will be no more cars on the road and fewer people will be impacted by aircraft noise than today, saying "An expanded Heathrow will be the most environmentally responsible hub airport in the world."

In a statement released today it said: "Expanding Heathrow would give the UK up to 40 more long haul destinations, such as Wuhan, Osaka and Panama City, making it the best connected country in the world.

"It will more than double the number of domestic routes served, ensuring every region and nation of the UK can get to global markets and, increase cargo capacity, supporting the country’s exporters.

"This will result in up to £211bn of economic growth and 180,000 jobs spread across the whole of the UK– including 12,300 new jobs and £10bn of economic growth for the South West and would create 1,600 jobs in the Swindon and Wiltshire LEP area specifically by 2050."  

Rail improvements between now and 2032 would make it "easier and quicker to get to Heathrow by rail from every corner of the UK".

Regional supporters in the South West include the Plymouth, Dorset and Cornwall Chambers of Commerce, Plymouth Manufacturing Group and Plymouth City Council, as well as the Swindon & Wiltshire Initiative.

John Holland-Kaye, chief executive of Heathrow Airport, said: “The Airports Commission, announced by the Prime Minister three years ago, made a unanimous and unambiguous recommendation in July for Heathrow expansion.

“Our new plan will connect the whole nation to global growth while providing opportunities for the local community and making Heathrow the most environmentally responsible hub airport in the world. I am confident that we can meet tough environmental standards.

“We have support locally and nationally from politicians, business, trade unions and the aviation industry for Heathrow expansion. Let’s get on and build a better future for Britain.”