As many as 8,000 jobs could be created over the next fifteen years at a new Belfast development, it was announced today.
The multi-million pound "Gateway at Belfast International Airport" project was launched today.
It has taken the airport 15 years to get planning permission for the ambitious 100 acre project and work on the first phase has started.
The mixed-use development is expected to house a variety of business units including offices, warehouses, new freight handling facilities and possibly a second airport hotel.
Airport managing director John Doran said: "The significance of Gateway cannot be underestimated. "It is both an investment in the future of the economy of Northern Ireland and the wider economy of the northern part of the island as a whole.
"The location offers businesses access to a growing number of direct air routes to Europe and North America, but because the airport - being one of Northern Ireland's most significant economic assets - is the natural and sensible choice for expanding, forward-thinking businesses."
The airport is the second largest on the island of Ireland and has substantial road links to Belfast, the north west and towards the border. Douglas Wheeler, partner at commercial property consultants BTWShiells, sole agents for Gateway, said: "We are delighted at being chosen as sole agents for this unique development.
"A high calibre state-of-the-art development in a sought after location, Gateway has already aroused much interest from a wide range of businesses wishing to capitalise on what is a one-off opportunity."
Major occupiers of what has become Gateway already include the airport, Royal Mail, TNT, DHL, UPS, British Airways Regional Cargo, Danzas and Geo Logistics.