THE DIRECTOR of Biggin Hill airport has said modernisation will continue despite the recent crash which killed five people.

The airport received permission in November last year to proceed with extending parts of the terminal building and other areas.

The passenger terminal is set to get a first-floor extension, while more space is being created for parking, manoeuvers and hangars.

Biggin Hill has been under close scrutiny since the plane disaster late last month with many residents concerned about the amount of air-traffic using the airport and would be opposed to it getting any bigger.

The airport’s director, Peter Lonergan, said: “The modernisation of the airport has helped to attract technically advanced and ever more environmentally efficient aircraft and well managed companies to Biggin Hill. I have spoken and written to many residents who have been in touch with me since the accident and I will continue to be available to discuss any further concerns that residents may have. We fully recognise the concerns that they have about overflying aircraft.”

He added: “The safety of local residents, air crew and passengers is and always will be our priority.”

On Sunday, March 30 a Cessna Citation jet crashed into a housing estate in nearby Farnborough killing the pilot, co-pilot and three passengers.

Air crash investigators are still examining the wreckage at their headquarters in Hampshire and are expected to release a report on the crash at the end of the month.