DONCASTER SHEFFIELD AIRPORT SETS OUT ITS VISION FOR AIR TRAVEL IN SOUTH YORKSHIRE TO 2030

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• DONCASTER SHEFFIELD AIRPORT SETS OUT ITS VISION FOR AIR TRAVEL IN SOUTH YORKSHIRE TO 2030

Doncaster Sheffield Airport today outlined its vision of future developments and continued expansion of both its passenger and freight business, through to 2030 as it set out proposals in its Draft Airport Master Plan. It also announced that a public consultation on these plans will commence on 3^rd November, lasting for three months through to the end of January 2009.

Despite the challenges faced by the aviation industry as a whole during the current economic climate, owners Peel Airports remain confident over the Airport’s future potential and have been working on the Draft Master Plan for some time. Forecasts prepared independently for the Airport show that by 2016 the number of passengers using the Airport could reach up to 6.6 million per year and continue to grow to up to 10.8 million by 2030.  At the same time, the amount of cargo handled is forecast to grow to 60,000 tonnes and to increase to 120,000 tonnes respectively.

The Draft Master Plan sets out how the Airport can best accommodate this growth and capture the opportunity to serve new routes, including long haul destinations, and support the Sheffield City Region and beyond by capitalising on the prospects to create jobs at the Airport and in the wider South Yorkshire economy.  Also included in the Draft Plan are proposals for further expansion of the Airport Business Park and a further phase of housing development close to the Airport.

Having only commenced commercial flights just 3½ years ago, Doncaster Sheffield Airport’s growth has been unprecedented. Throughput is now over 1 million passengers per year, which compares favourably with many UK regional airports that have been operating for decades. The Airport has established itself with the public in the ‘low cost passenger’ airline sector and it is developing a customer focused cargo business. General and Business Aviation sectors are also seeing growth through a partnership with Directions Finningley.

Key elements of the Draft Master Plan proposals include:

• Terminal expansion and airfield development
• New cargo facilities
• Improved Public Transport access and facilities
• Expansion of Business and General Aviation
• Further phase of the Airport Business Park
• Further phase of Housing Development
• Completion of the FARRRS link road
• Community development and ‘green’ infrastructure.

The Draft Master Plan also looks in detail at the environmental aspects of future expansion. Environmental management is a priority for the Airport and assessments have been carried out on a range of issues including noise, air quality, nature conservation, visual effects and risk.  Careful consideration has been given to ensure as little impact on the environment as possible.

A three month period of public consultation will commence next week with the Airport Company looking for feedback on its plans over the coming weeks, ahead of the 31^st January 2009 closing date. To help publicise the consultation, the Airport is to stage a number of public exhibitions in key areas surrounding the Airport.

Copies of all supporting information can be found by clicking here

Peter Nears, Director of Strategic Planning, Peel Holdings commented, “This is another significant milestone for the Airport and is an opportunity to recognise the significant progress that has been made by the Airport in recent years as we set out our aspirations for the future”.

“Through these plans, the Airport hopes to become the Airport of choice for business and leisure travellers from across the region to maximise its contribution to the regeneration and renaissance of the Sheffield City Region.”

Neil Pakey, Deputy CEO of Peel Airports, added, “We believe these ambitious plans will bring the Sheffield City Region the global recognition it deserves. With flights already operating from the Airport to different parts of Europe, the boundary of direct air links for the region and the benefits this brings, need to be extended even further”

“We are undertaking a comprehensive consultation to better understand the views of those with an interest in the growth of Doncaster Sheffield Airport including local communities, business interests, tourism and regeneration agencies and representatives of local and regional Government. We believe these proposals provide a balance between the clear economic benefits of further Airport expansion and the inevitable environmental impacts which must be managed by the Airport Company. This consultation enables everyone to have their say and I would urge as many people as possible to feedback their thoughts on these plans.”

Consultation

The Airport is keen to take account of the views of those with an interest in the growth of Doncaster Sheffield Airport. A period of consultation of the Draft Master Plan will commence on 3^rd November 2008 with the Airport Company seeking comment upon the proposals until 31^st January 2009. Any assistance in advising readers and listeners of this consultation is much appreciated.

Copies of the Draft Master Plan together with a summary leaflet and other background documents are available to download from the Airport website and further copies of the leaflet will be available on request at the Airport Information Desk where copies of the Draft Master Plan can also be inspected. Any other enquiries regarding the Draft Master Plan can be made as follows: 

By post:

Freepost RRZE-XZUL-BCUY
Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield
Heyford House
Finningley
Doncaster
DN9 3RH

By phone:        01302 802055 (24hr answer machine)

By email:         consultation@robinhoodairport.com

In addition a series of consultation events are planned to publicise and seek comment upon the proposals within the Draft Master Plan including a series of exhibitions to be held at a number of venues across the region as follows:-

These are scheduled to take place between 2pm - 8pm as follows: