Why Villa Backs Extended Runway

Aston Villa’s new chief executive Richard Fit-zGerald yesterday threw his backing behind the campaign to get an extended runway at Birmingham International Airport.

And he revealed that a major Asian airline was looking to partner with the club if the problem could be overcome.

Speaking at the Hippodrome Theatre to Breakfast Connection, an event run by Birmingham Forward and Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, Mr FitzGerald declined to reveal which airline was in the frame.

The airport is expected to lodge a planning application later this summer for its extended runway.

Mr FitzGerald also indicated that World Cup football could be on its way back to Villa Park after a gap of more than 50 years if England entice the tournament to these shores.

Villa Park forms part of a bid by the Football Association to try to revive the glory days of 1966.

Mr FitzGerald revealed that Villa Park was one of the grounds in the 2018 bid, as well as a key venue for the 2012 Olympics.

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