Chief commercial officer Aboudy Nasser said the airport, which has typically served low-cost carriers, is looking at offering a more premium service as it seeks more long-haul legacy services.

While it is currently spending £125 million on improving facilities, including completing eight new stands and opening a new car park, he added a new marketing campaign will ensure the public knows it.

Nasser said: “We have got between £400 million and £500 million to expand and position ourselves as a premium airport dedicated to premium service.

“A full service carrier will have a much more premium experience. Once we launch our new brand, we will make sure everyone is aware of it.”

Nasser added the new premium service would feature separate check-in and security areas as well as airside lounges and could be housed in a separate building.

In the meantime, he is keen to grow the airline’s long-haul operations, particularly following the success of its first longer route, which saw Emirates double is daily 777 service less than a year after launching it.

Nasser said: “It is the fastest that Emirates have ever gone – from a daily to a double daily service – in its history apart from in Beijing.”

Air India is launching an Amritsar flight this month and Nasser is confident they will soon enjoy seamless connections with Stansted’s short-haul services.

He added: “How do you connect the low-cost carrier with the long-haul carrier? We’ve basically cracked it and are in test mode that allows airlines to co-operate without interline agreements.”

An announcement concerning the new arrangements is also expected in 2020.