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London Ashford Airport

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London Ashford Airport

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LAA News

25 June 2010

Lydd Airport’s Jo Oliver has said that she is “deeply disappointed” by today’s announcement that the airport’s £25 million development plans have been called in for a public inquiry by the Government Office for the South East (GOSE). She said it was “hugely frustrating” that the decision would delay the much-needed investment in new jobs and facilities at Lydd but the airport remained confident that it could secure the go-ahead for its ambitious proposals.

16 June 2010

Lydd Airport Managing Director has responded to today’s announcement by the Government Office for the South East (GOSE) that a decision on whether to allow the £25 million development of the airport has been put back until 30 June.

Shepway councillors approved the plans for a runway extension and a new terminal building capable of handling up to 500,000 passengers a year at a seven-hour long meeting on 3 March. Since then GOSE has been considering whether to allow the plans or to call them in for a public inquiry.

Mr Gordon said while he was “frustrated” by the additional delay to the much-needed investment in new jobs and facilities at Lydd, he could understand that Eric Pickles, the new Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, might need more time to give the case his full and proper consideration.

Mr Gordon said: “I remain very confident that Mr Pickles will make the right decision for the sake of new jobs in Shepway, for investment in the future for our young people and for the wellbeing of our local communities.

“I’m particularly pleased to have read of his comments this week when he addressed a local government delegation at the House of Commons, The minister said he will make devolving power from Whitehall to local councils his number one priority and he stressed that implementing a ‘localist’ agenda would be the most important objective for his new department,” said Mr Gordon.

“Mr Pickles told the local government leaders, councillors and officers attending the event that he was ‘determined to shift power away from central government and pass it to local people and community groups. It is all about empowering the citizens to act collectively on local issues.’

“If the minister is as good as his words, then it follows that he will recognise that a decision taken by a democratically-elected local authority in Shepway to enable a limited development of a regional airport at Lydd is right and proper and that he allows our project to proceed without further delay,” said Mr Gordon.

14 June 2010

11 May 2010

Top tips on how to become a pilot, advice on job opportunities in the aviation industry, and information about great holiday getaways are just some of the things on offer at Lydd Airport’s Open Evening this month.

The Romney Marsh airport opens its doors to the public from 4-7pm on May 20 to give visitors the chance to find out more about the latest flight and holiday deals to the island of Jersey and the chic French resort of Le Touquet, Fly ‘n’ Dine experiences, trial flying lessons and much more.

Lydd Airport’s Jo Oliver said: “Everyone who comes to the Open Evening will be given a free raffle ticket to win a bottle of Champagne, and there are more prizes up for grabs for those who book a flight or holiday to Jersey with Cinque Ports Travel by the end of May.

“There will also be gift ideas for Father’s Day, and a sneak preview of the Biggles Bar & Restaurant’s new summer menu, plus the chance to find out more about the airport’s exciting development plans. We’re also inviting Kent-based companies to come and register their interest in helping with the construction of our new terminal building and runway extension.”

Rye-based travel agents Cinque Ports Travel, LyddAir and the Lydd Aero Club will be among the companies on hand on the night to give information and advice.

04 March 2010

Proposals to develop Lydd Airport into a successful modern regional airport took a giant step forward last night (Wednesday 3 March) after Shepway District Council voted 2-to-1 in favour of passing a resolution to grant approval for two planning applications.

Following a heated seven-hour debate which ended at 2am, councillors voted by 27 votes to 12 to allow the construction of a 294m runway extension plus a 150m starter extension and new terminal capable of handling up to 500,000 passengers a year. Two councillors abstained. SDC officers had recommended that consent be refused.

Lydd Airport Managing Director Jonathan Gordon said the council’s decision to support the £25 million investment plan was “a victory for the people of Shepway”.

He said councillors had boosted the district’s future economic prospects by voting yes. Hundreds of jobs are expected to be created at the airport and in the wider community as the site is developed.

“We put forward a compelling case for allowing the controlled development of the airport and when councillors took stock of the overwhelming body of evidence in front of them, they were persuaded to vote in a positive way. They have made the right choice for the future of our community.”

The airport’s plans to modernise and develop the Romney Marsh site had the backing of many residents and business groups, while opposition was voiced by other residents, environmentalists and the RSPB. Mr Gordon also thanked supporters for their tireless efforts to back the airport’s development plans.

01 March 2010

Days before Shepway District Council members meet to vote on its £25 million plans to develop the airport, Lydd Airport and its advisers have cast serious doubts on the validity of some key advice given to the authority by its technical consultants, Bureau Veritas.

Lydd Airport Managing Director Jonathan Gordon has suggested that some of the advice offered to Shepway is seriously flawed and should not be relied upon.

He said: “Shepway District Council commissioned an assessment report from Bureau Veritas which has reached the conclusion in respect of one European designated site, a Special Protection Area (SPA) outside the airport boundary, that bird populations would not be able to live alongside noise from aircraft and aerodrome bird control.

“This is simply a manifestly unreasonable conclusion and is not supported by reference to extensive experience at any other airport in the world. The authors of this report, Bureau Veritas, have fundamentally misunderstood the evidence presented to them by Lydd Airport.

“Our team of consultants includes international experts on bird behaviour near aerodromes and they are baffled by Bureau Veritas’ conclusions,” said Mr Gordon.

He said that repeated requests for a meeting with Bureau Veritas to resolve misunderstandings before the publication of the Council’s Report were not granted and the result is that a key document relating to the airport’s planning applications for a runway extension and a new terminal building on Romney Marsh has come to “quite simply the wrong and unsupported conclusion”.

Mr Gordon added: “This conclusion is effectively the last remaining reason for the recommendation for refusal by officers at Shepway District Council. This means that the councillors will now have to make up their minds about who is right and who is wrong on this issue.

“Put simply, do the councillors, having read all the evidence, believe that birds some distance from the airfield would suffer intolerable noise impact from aircraft and bird control, as one inexperienced ecologist from the council’s consultants contends, or do they accept the views of two highly experienced PhD qualified practitioners and one leading professor, all expert in this issue with international credentials, who say that the birds would successfully adapt?”

Mr Gordon concluded: “Given the importance of this decision to the economic future of the Marsh, I hope that councillors will take the time to closely scrutinise all the information, particularly the booklet we have posted to them in the last few days.”

19 February 2010

Lydd Airport managing director Jonathan Gordon has issued a personal appeal to all 46 members of Shepway District Council to boost the district’s future economic prospects by voting ‘yes’ to the airport’s two planning applications on 3 March.

Responding to the publication of Shepway District Council’s Application Report, Mr Gordon is urging Councillors to approve the applications for a runway extension and a new terminal.

Mr Gordon said: “We have invested £27 million in Lydd in recent years and plan to invest a further £25 million in the project to deliver a modern, sustainable regional airport that Kent can be proud of. This is a significant private sector investment in the future of the Marsh at no cost to the public purse”.

“We have painstakingly prepared our applications and we are disappointed that Shepway officers are not recommending a resolution to grant. However, LAA is pleased that the report agrees that significant progress has been made and the following is resolved:

• Removal of the reason for refusal associated with the Special Area of Conservation. We have long argued that to be the case and we are pleased that has at last been agreed;

• Acknowledgment that the proposed planning restrictions would provide the Local Authority with robust measures to ensure that impacts are minimised and managed in the event of a decision to grant permission;

• Acknowledgment that noise issues are relatively minor; and would not, on its own, constitute a valid reason for refusal;

• Agreement that LAA has carried out adequate ecological assessment at Hammonds Corner; and

• Acknowledgment that it may be possible to refine the Bird Control Plan to the Council's satisfaction, so another reason for refusal can then fall away”.

However, Mr Gordon expressed his disappointment and frustration that the Council's officers still have three concerns left, which he believes are unfounded:

• Noise: “On the one hand, officers acknowledge that noise issues are relatively minor and not by itself be a reason for refusal. On the other hand they say that, if there are other reasons for refusal, let's "shove it in". That's not a reasonable or proper way to assess this important issue. The fact is that the noise impact of the development is relatively minor and should not be a reason for refusal”;

• Impacts on the SSSI: “We note that the Council have accepted that most of the issues have been resolved, with the exception of the potential impact on birds. The simple fact is that our team includes the leading experts on these issues and the Council's consultants are not expert and have reached the wrong conclusions. We will explain this to Members at Committee”;

• Birds: “The remaining issue is whether our Bird Control Plan will work. The Council officers recognise that a solution may be possible in this respect and we have already provided further information from leading experts in this regard. We will continue to try and get this agreed with the Council before the Committee meeting”; and

• Legal issues: “The report also contains some legal errors and incorrect tests – for example, the report says that Councillors have no choice but to follow the Council's consultant's recommendations, whereas clearly Councillors should make their decision on the basis of all the evidence before them - not just the views of the Council's consultants, who are not expert on all the issues”.

Mr Gordon concluded, “We are very robust in our position and I hope that when Councillors have taken stock of the overwhelming body of evidence in front of them, they will see that they are legally able to vote in a positive way and will be persuaded to make the right choice for the future of our community. We have just seen the latest jobless figures with, regrettably, another 132 added to the districts total which is now 2,751. A successful Lydd Airport will create more than 500 new high quality, well paid jobs.”

“I would urge members of Shepway District Council to weigh up all these considerations. The decision they take is going to have a huge impact on our area for years to come. I’m confident that we have put forward a compelling case for Members to make the right decision.

25 January 2010

Lydd Airport has teamed up with Cinque Ports Travel to help sell tickets for the new route from Lydd to Jersey.

Cinque Ports Travel, based in Rye, has become the airport’s partner travel agent to promote the summer service, which is operated by Jersey-based C. I. Travel Group.

Lydd Airport’s Jo Oliver said: “The C.I. Group is selling the route through its well-established consumer brands but we wanted to work with a local travel agent to sell the holidays to people in Kent and East Sussex. Cinque Ports Travel has an excellent reputation and we are delighted to be working with them on this exciting project.”

Steve Hatcher of Cinque Ports Travel said: “When I heard that Lydd would be offering summer holiday flights to Jersey I was thrilled. For local people access to the airport is so easy and it offers a fast, hassle-free check-in service. Jersey is a beautiful island with a wealth of attractions and I’m sure the new service from Lydd will be very popular.”

The service will operate every Saturday between 10 July and 11 September 2010 from Lydd and is ideally located for access from the west of Kent and East Sussex. A population of more than 750,000 lives within a 60-minute drive of the airport.

Lydd Airport provides an attractive alternative to Gatwick. Access to the airport terminal is straightforward with car parking located directly outside, providing a 50-metre walk from the car to check-in. To celebrate the launch of the new service, Lydd Airport is also providing free car parking for all those travelling on the Jersey flight in 2010.

To book a Jersey flight from Lydd call Cinque Ports Travel on 01797 225599; for more information about Lydd Airport, visit www.lydd-airport.co.uk

09 December 2009

Jersey-based C. I. Travel Group today announces the launch of a new air route from London Ashford Airport (Lydd) to Jersey, once again linking the west of Kent and East Sussex with the island for the first time in almost 20 years.

The service will operate every Saturday between July 10th & September 11th 2010 from Lydd Airport and is ideally located for access from the west of Kent and East Sussex – in total a population of more than ¾ million lives within a 60 minute drive of the airport.

Operated by CityJet, using a 50 seat Fokker aircraft, the route will be sold by C. I. Travel Group’s well-established consumer brands that include Airways Holidays, Discover Jersey and Channel Islands Travel Service.

The route will also be available to Jersey hoteliers wishing to offer their own clients from the Kent & East Sussex areas a direct flight to the island.

Lydd Airport provides a very attractive alternative to London Gatwick. Access to the airport terminal is very straightforward with car parking located directly outside – providing a 50 metre walk from the car to check-in. To celebrate the launch of the new service, Lydd Airport is also providing free car parking for all those travelling on the Jersey flight in 2010.

‘We are delighted to have concluded negotiations for the launch of a new service from Lydd in the summer of 2010. With many more UK holiday-takers deserting the Euro-zone in favour of a holiday closer to home, we believe that this new route will prove to be popular with both new and existing clients in Kent & Sussex,’ commented Robert Mackenzie, Managing Director of C. I. Travel Group.

David de Carteret, Director of Tourism, welcomed the announcement of the new service. ‘C. I. Travel Group’s initiative is welcomed by everyone in Jersey’s tourism industry as this opens up an excellent opportunity for the island to market itself to a community that can now put Jersey on their shopping list as a very convenient and attractive option. We look forward to working together to secure a successful operation.’

Lydd Airport spokesman Jo Oliver said: ‘This is a fantastic opportunity for both the airport and communities across Kent and East Sussex, and we’re pleased to be working in partnership with such a well-renowned tour operator as C. I. Travel Group.

‘With its easy access and fast, hassle-free check-in service, Lydd Airport offers a relaxed and friendly alternative to Gatwick for those who want to explore Jersey. This beautiful island has a wealth of attractions, from adventure parks and castles to superb shops, markets, cafes and restaurants, and we’re sure the new service from Lydd will be extremely popular.’

C.I. Travel Group also today announced the continuation of their weekly service from Kent International Airport, Manston, with direct flights to Jersey operating every Saturday from 29th May to 11th September utilising a similar 50 seat aircraft.

Holidays and flights for both services can be booked through local travel agents, online at www.discoverjersey.com or by telephone on 0844 415 6653.

For further information regarding the contents of this news release please call 01534 496644 and speak to Robert Mackenzie, Managing Director C. I. Travel Group.

07 December 2009

Lydd Airport is holding a drop in information evening on Monday 14 December 2009 between 5pm - 8pm.

Lydd Airport is investing in the future of Romney Marsh with plans for a longer runway and new terminal building. The proposals will create more than 300 jobs, pump millions of pounds into the local economy and are likely to stimulate direct flights to Jersey, Dublin, the South of France and a broader range of UK business and leisure destinations.

Research shows that the total revenue generated by visitors using the expanded airport would be £1.8 million each year for 300,000 passengers and £3.25 million for 500,000 passengers.

More than 300 local jobs will be created. An aviation and engineering ‘hub’ at the airport will attract additional investment and create excellent training opportunities.

Lydd Airport has assessed the environmental impacts of its proposals in a series of detailed studies, and where appropriate, has set out how it intends to manage those impacts

The planning applications for a runway extension and a new terminal building will be decided by Shepway DC on 3 March 2010.

Managing Director, Jonathan Gordon and his team invite you along to the Airport to find out more on how the plans will benefit our local area and how he intends to manage our environment.

11 November 2009

Responding to the government’s decision to reject Dungeness as a site for one of 10 new nuclear power stations, Jonathan Gordon, Managing Director of London Ashford Airport, Lydd, said he was saddened at the news.

“This will not only mean a large shortfall in the number of long-term jobs but also the benefit the Romney Marsh would have enjoyed from the surge in activity associated with the build will be lost. The nuclear power stations at Dungeness and the airport have always worked well together and the prospects of the additional site would have caused no problems for either party.

“The grounds for rejection leave one at a loss for a balanced view. One has to weigh environmental impact against benefits. As with the airport, the benefits of the development are obvious and one has to question whether ultimately any development anywhere will be stifled by, perhaps, over zealous and heavily empowered government quangos.

“Without the prospects of Dungeness C, the economic impact of the airport will grow in importance to the area,” said Mr Gordon.

Referring to the Lydd Airport Action Group, which has campaigned against airport development at Lydd, Mr Gordon added: “It must also be noted that LAAG’s objections on the grounds of the possible dangers involved with the new power station, while always groundless, have now been resolved. In addition, LAAG’s objections to the airport as being a poor relation to the power station in employment terms must also be quashed.

“Romney Marsh must have prospects that allow for the retention of its young population. The long-term high quality jobs that would have been available at the power station and, provided the development is allowed, will be available at the airport help to provide reasons for our young workforce to settle on the Marsh.

Lydd Airport has submitted two planning applications for a 294m extension to the runway, and for a new passenger terminal building capable of handling 500,000 passengers per annum. Shepway District Council will vote on the applications on

3 March 2010.

01 September 2009

Lydd Airport has strengthened its senior management team with the reappointment of Jonathan Gordon as its Managing Director, effective 1 September 2009.

Air Marshal Cliff Spink, who will continue in his role as the airport’s chairman, reaffirmed the determination of the airport’s Board of Directors to make Lydd “a thriving regional airport with a broad range of facilities and employment opportunities”.

Jonathan Gordon has a wealth of aviation experience and a long association with Lydd Airport going back 20 years.

His appointment will add value to the airport’s already competent management team with regard to the strategic direction of the company through Mr Gordon’s in-depth knowledge of the airline and airport sectors.

Mr Gordon said: “I’m delighted to return to the airport in an executive role and am looking forward to working with Cliff and the rest of the team to take our proposals forward. This redevelopment represents a massive investment in our future and I relish the opportunity to create much-needed jobs for local people and deliver lasting benefits for the people of Shepway and Kent.”

Mr Gordon runs a number of successful international aviation companies, including scheduled airline LyddAir, air charter services operator World Executive Airways and Atlantic Bridge Aviation, which provides consultancy and aircraft leasing, supply and management services.

06 July 2009

Lydd Airport managing director Cliff Spink said he was bitterly disappointed that senior planning officers at SDC had not recommended approval of both applications.

“Having read the report produced by the officers I am stunned and more than a little angered by their conclusions. I hope that moving the date of the meeting back to September will give Shepway councillors more time to study the report and realise that the airport development will not be detrimental to the environment.

“I could not make our case any stronger than our committed ecologist Dr Mark McLellan,” added Mr Spink.

In response to the SDC report, Dr Mark McLellan, Lydd Airport’s ecological advisor, said the reasons given by planning officers for recommending refusal had nothing to do with protecting nature at Dungeness.

He said: “After a great deal of environmental work over the last four years it appears that only three or four issues divide the Council’s environmental advisors and ourselves. These issues are, by SDC's own admission, small scale effects.

“The few ecological arguments remaining against the airports plans are now wafer thin, and I vigorously disagree with the conclusions of the Council's ecological advisors that the integrity of European wildlife sites at and near to the airport would be affected.

“The Council is suggesting that the loss of a tiny area of one of these sites – a mere 0.056% - is a reason to refuse. This would be understandable if the area in question was important wildlife habitat but it isn’t, it is just an arable field.

“The Council is also suggesting that plant life near the runway might be affected, but this is simply not so. And it is obvious from studies at other airfields that the important bird species living close to Lydd Airport would simply get used to the noise of the few jet aircraft that would land or take off each day.

“We are absolutely certain that the airport can go about its duties to keep certain bird species away from the runway areas for safety reasons, without affecting the birds at nearby reserves.

“These are the main reasons that the Council has recommended refusal and when this is made clear to the public I believe that many people will find these reasons absurd.

“To me, as someone who cares passionately about the nature of Dungeness, these reasons have nothing to do with protecting nature.

“They are convenient political and legal ways to oppose development on account of ambiguously drafted European conservation legislation. If anyone believes that refusing the applications on the grounds that they are protecting nature, they would be quite wrong.

“The airport’s proposals include a great deal of commitment to nature protection and enhancement and I can honestly say that by many measures, the airport’s proposals would actually improve the quality of wildlife habitat. I’m keen that people understand that as a result of a lot of work and commitment from Lydd Airport, this is not a case of jobs versus environment, it is jobs and environment,” added Dr McLellan.

09 June 2009

Independent new research carried out by Channel Chamber of Commerce members shows that local business leaders back the planned investment in upgrading facilities and services at their local airport. The Chamber carried out the poll as Shepway District Council prepares to vote on the airport’s planning applications on 9 July.

Chamber Chief Executive Peter Hobbs said: “This is a very powerful message from the business community of Shepway that the area needs the airport to grow and develop. The vast majority of those taking part in our poll believe that the expansion of Lydd will be good for business.

“I would urge the local authority to heed the views of our members, who represent employers large and small across a broad spectrum of the local business community.”

Responding to the results of the Chamber survey, Cliff Spink, Managing Director of Lydd Airport, said: “I am delighted to hear that local businesses are backing Lydd. If we are allowed to develop operations I really believe that Lydd can act as a catalyst for economic regeneration in the region, creating jobs and bringing hope to local communities blighted by soaring unemployment.”

We polled members with a number of questions relating to airport development and 61 responded, with 51 of them completing the online questionnaire in full.

Asked if they believed that the expansion of Lydd would be good for business in the area, 57% of respondents said it would be good for their own business while nearly 73% said it would be good for other local businesses. Less than 10% of respondents said airport expansion would not be good for business.

Chamber members were also asked if they believed the multi-million pound investment in a business aviation centre at Lydd will help to regenerate the local economy. A whopping 86.3% said yes, while 11.8% said no.

Nine out of ten respondents said they would prefer to fly from a smaller regional airport like Lydd, where check in is around 30 minutes before departure, than travel from a larger and busier London airport.

We invited members across the district to name the domestic and European destinations they would most like to fly to from Lydd. Spain and France came top of the list, along with the Channel Islands, Greece and Holland, while the UK routes in most demand included Edinburgh, Dublin and Manchester.

Lydd Airport is awaiting a decision from Shepway District Council on two planning applications: one for a 294m extension to the runway, and one for a new passenger terminal building capable of handling 500,000 passengers per annum. The applications were submitted to the council in November 2006.

The Chamber poll took place between 26 May and 5 June and was carried in their weekly e-newsletter, The Insider.

01 May 2009

Lydd Airport has confirmed that one of its intentions is to set up an aviation engineering training scheme or ‘aviation academy’ at the Romney Marsh site. Airport managers have had meetings with academic institutions and also government-appointed skills bodies to plan the development.

The aim is to establish a course which would equip students from Kent and East Sussex with an internationally-recognised qualification in aeronautical engineering, boosting their future job prospects and opening up highly-skilled careers in the aviation industry.

The airport plans to improve the existing facilities to accommodate these students.

Once the airport has reached agreement with a college in the region, the college will administer the running of the course and offer careers advice to students. Young people accepted onto the course will split their time between the two sites.

Although the aviation academy is not directly linked with LAA’s existing planning applications to build a new terminal and extend the runway, Managing Director Cliff Spink recognized the need to develop appropriate training programmes to accompany the redevelopment proposals. He said the airport is very keen to explore new initiatives which will benefit the local community.

Cliff Spink said: “Lydd airport plays a big part in the local community and I hope local people can support us in all aspects of our development. The airport touches many people’s lives, whether they work here themselves, use our services or know someone or have a family member who works here. The airport offers real hope for young people looking for worthwhile careers.”

Cliff Spink also believes that regional airports can play a key role in improving the UK’s aircraft maintenance facilities and creating jobs for engineers. There is already an aviation engineering company based at Lydd with a long waiting list of customers.

Cliff Spink says: “Through our partnership with the chosen college, students will study for a qualification while gaining hands-on experience of the aviation industry. In these difficult economic times, this scheme will offer young people a structured career path that will open up a world of possibilities in an exciting industry. Expanding our current facilities is however vital if we are going to be able to realise this project – we simply cannot do this with our current infrastructure”.

“This scheme will also cater to the current demand for skilled aircraft engineers, providing a much-needed boost for the industry. Aircraft maintenance will need to be outsourced abroad if facilities do not improve in the UK.”

Similar ‘aviation academies’ at Leeds-Bradford, Newcastle, Blackpool and Shoreham airports have enabled employers to recruit newly-qualified staff directly and allow a swift transition from studying to employment.

24 March 2009

The development of London Ashford Airport (Lydd) would bring major economic benefits to Shepway, says a new report, which identifies the region as the third most deprived district in Kent.

The Socio-Economic Update, prepared by one of the UK’s largest independent planning consultancies, shows that Lydd has the fifth highest unemployment rate of the 22 wards in Shepway, with the number of people claiming unemployment-related benefits in January 2009 up almost 70% on the previous year. Unemployment figures for Romney Marsh over the same period were up by more than 108%.

The airport’s managing director, Cliff Spink, said: “This report, along with figures released this week showing that unemployment has risen by a further 200 in Shepway, highlights the desperate need for economic regeneration and job creation in the region.”

The report also reveals that less than 23% of the working-age population in Shepway has qualifications at NVQ level 4 and above, compared to 30.8% in the South East. It goes on to say that the airport has the potential to make a ‘significant contribution’ to training and improving skills – two of the region’s key regeneration and economic development priorities.

The airport is ‘clearly committed’ to employing local people and exploring new programmes that would benefit the community, such as construction training, recruitment initiatives and engineering apprenticeships, the report adds.

Peter Hobbs, chief executive of the Channel Chamber of Commerce, said that allowing London Ashford Airport to grow and prosper would provide a massive boost to the economy of Shepway and East Kent.

Responding to the report, he said: “Our region is really suffering during this recession and many businesses are struggling to keep their heads above water. Investment and jobs are under pressure and we need to see major projects like the development of LAA go ahead.

“To borrow a phrase from Bill Clinton’s successful 1992 presidential campaign – it’s the economy, stupid! The expansion of LAA will help create jobs and act as a catalyst for the economic regeneration of a whole region. This report shows how this project can make a real difference and we should grab this opportunity with both hands,” added Mr Hobbs.

The development of the airport would also have a positive impact on tourism in Shepway and beyond, says the report. With LAA handling 500,000 passengers a year, it’s estimated that around 12,500 extra tourists a year could be flocking to the region, generating up to an additional £3million in revenue for the local and surrounding areas.

30 January 2009

Lydd Airport’s fire and rescue team is to provide emergency support to South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) as part of the co-responder scheme.

As a SECAmb ‘co-responder’ unit, Lydd’s firefighters will be responding to certain category A medical emergencies across Romney Marsh, where a response is needed within eight minutes.

Firefighters have been fully trained by SECAmb instructors and will be able to administer life-saving resuscitation and provide initial medical intervention until paramedics arrive. The co-responders will always be supported by an ambulance but, because they work locally, they may be the first to reach a patient and administer treatment.

Paul Fisher, Lydd’s Senior Airport Fire Officer, said: “I am delighted that this scheme has been re-introduced. SECAmb has provided us with defibrillators, ‘first response’ bags and oxygen equipment and we will be mobilised to deal with everything from cardiac arrest to severe asthma attack, fitting or anaphylactic shock.

“The chances of surviving something like a cardiac arrest are greatly improved if patients receive prompt medical attention. By working in partnership with SECAmb, we can help provide potentially life-saving medical intervention to the local community.”

19 January 2009

Lydd Airport in Kent has given qualified support to the Government’s announcement that paves the way for a third runway at Heathrow.

Lydd Managing Director Cliff Spink described this as “an incredibly difficult decision” but supported ministers for recognising the importance of the UK’s aviation industry, especially in the face of the global economic recession.

While supporting strongly the position that the UK must not lose the business edge so vital for our long term economic health, Cliff Spink went on to say that he acknowledged that “there were alternatives to the ‘eggs in one basket’ approach” which is why the Government had been instrumental in proposing the modest expansion of regional airports such as Lydd on Romney Marsh.

In offering regional alternatives for air travel this reduced the road transit bill – road transport is the biggest single transport Co2 producer in the country. Only 2% of Co2 is produced by aviation at national level, compared to 8% by road transport.

Cliff Spink went on to say that “by spreading the load we not only reduce the enormous road travel bill by passengers to central locations but by airport staff as well”. There is also a spread of economic benefit to the regions whose economic improvement is “out of all proportion” to the modest increase in air traffic.

“For example our proposal for growth, as registered in our planning applications, only amounts to eight airline aircraft in and out a day - that equates to about 15 minutes activity at somewhere like Gatwick, and our activity would be spread out,” said Cliff Spink.

Lydd airport has submitted two planning applications to Shepway District Council. One is for a new terminal building, capable of handling up to 500,000 passengers a year; the other is for a 294-metre runway extension together with an additional 150-metre starter extension. A decision on the applications is expected this spring.

“The majority of passengers using Heathrow are transferring from long haul flights to inter-European destinations, and in many ways Heathrow competes with the major airports of Europe like Schiphol, Frankfurt and Charles De Gaulle, whereas Lydd is a small regional airport servicing the needs of local and European passengers,” added Cliff Spink.

15 January 2009

Fire crews at London Ashford Airport (Lydd), Romney Marsh, Kent, have been congratulated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) after putting their skills to the test during a major rescue exercise.

The emergency exercise drill, carried out under the watchful eye of an inspecting CAA officer, involved staff from every airport department.

Firefighters were scrambled after an aircraft carrying 10 passengers careered off the runway during touch-down and ‘hit’ an airfield operations vehicle with two people inside.

Back-up was provided by external emergency services, including Kent Police, who sent a specialist Critical Incident response team and took charge of the airport’s Incident Command Centre (ICC), liaising with other external emergency services and senior airport management.

Now ‘Exercise Navara’ has been praised by CAA Aerodrome Inspector Graham Bartlett, who said the successful drill had left the airport team far better prepared to deal with any serious incident in the future.

Paul Fisher, LAA’s Senior Airport Fire Officer, said: “These annual exercises are a mandatory requirement of our CAA licence and provide crews with valuable experience. The positive feedback we’ve received from the CAA is testament to the hard work of our team and the regular training we undertake throughout the year, often with our colleagues from the external emergency services, as part of Lydd’s continuing development and investment programme.”

LAA has 11 full-time CAA certified firefighters, two major foam tenders, one light foam tender, one all-terrain vehicle and one officer / command vehicle.

Recent developments at the airport include the creation of a modern four-bay fire station. The lecture room has been specifically designed as a dual-purpose facility, which can be instantly transformed into an ICC for senior strategic officers from responding emergency services.

14 January 2009

London Ashford Airport (Lydd), in Kent, has cut its fuel prices to become one of the most competitive airports in the South East.

The Romney Marsh-based airport is now offering Avgas at £1.10 +VAT per litre – almost 10% less than the regional average – while the cost of a litre of Avtur Jet A1 has been cut to 60p +VAT.

The airport’s PR executive, Jo Oliver, said: “We’re keen to welcome new pilots to Lydd which is why we’re constantly reviewing our costs so that we can continue to provide the General Aviation community with great service at competitive rates. Lydd has excellent pilot facilities, unrestricted airspace, no weekend restrictions and no runway slots, as well as an enviable weather record.”

02 December 2008

A shortage of facilities and qualified engineers in the UK could see a growing number of aircraft operators looking to the Continent for maintenance services, a Kent airport boss has warned.

“There’s already a waiting list for aircraft repair and maintenance facilities,” says Cliff Spink, managing director of London Ashford Airport, Lydd, “and if we don’t meet demand here, more of the work could end up being outsourced abroad.”

Allowing regional airports such as LAA to realise their full potential would go a long way to addressing the problem, says Mr Spink, who believes the Romney Marsh-based airport can achieve far more than just increased passenger numbers.

“Our ambitions go way beyond a new terminal building and runway extension,” says Mr Spink. “We have the capacity to develop a complete aviation business enterprise here at Lydd, providing

first-class aircraft servicing and maintenance facilities.

“Striving for engineering excellence will attract a greater level of interest from aviation operators. This in turn will generate a whole spectrum of employment - aircraft maintenance involves everything from interior fittings and upholstery to electronics, engineering and metal work.”

It was reported last month that a specialist aircraft engineering and maintenance company had expressed interest in establishing an operation at Lydd and airport managers are in preliminary negotiations with the firm.

One company that’s already thriving at London Ashford Airport is Phoenix Aero Engineering, which provides maintenance support to both private individuals and commercial operations.

Despite being relatively small, Phoenix is steadily expanding and undertakes the majority of maintenance work in-house, from minor defect rectification and scheduled maintenance to major structural repairs.

“The lack of CAA licensed engineers is well publicised,” says James Giller, Phoenix’s engineering maintenance manager. “Depending on which publication you read, the shortfall is estimated to be between 4,000 and 8,000.

“The CAA licence is recognised as a standard of excellence worldwide and, despite the current climate, it’s a field that is in demand. Every week we get requests from locals who want to explore aviation as a career. We’ve already employed two local young men and intend to take them through the long and complex licensing process. As we expand, we’ll be taking on more.”

Adds Cliff Spink: “Aircraft maintenance and servicing generates revenue streams worth billions of pounds to Britain’s major airports every year. Developing a full range of services at LAA will enable communities across Lydd, Romney Marsh and beyond to share in that wealth. It may only be a small percentage but the regeneration and job creation it brings will make a huge difference to our local economy.”

10 October 2008

London Ashford Airport (Lydd), in Kent, is celebrating Christmas early by launching a special ‘Autumn Fly-in’ weekend offer.

Pilots flying into Lydd between 09:00 and 18:00 (local) on 29 and 30 November 2008 will receive a 10% discount on all fuel over that weekend and one free landing, provided they uplift more than 60 litres of Avgas or Avtur.

One ILS per aircraft is available free of charge subject to booking, along with one free full stop landing per aircraft per day.

All traffic up to 4000kg is welcome. Contact ATC to PPR on 01797 320881

09 October 2008

London Ashford Airport (Lydd) has spent £1.7 million and thousands of man hours preparing reports and undertaking environmental studies to support its planning applications, the airport’s new managing director has revealed.

More than 20 volumes of information have been produced since December 2006, when the airport submitted its proposals for a runway extension and new terminal building to Shepway District Council.

The Kent airport’s original environmental impact assessment (EIA) began in 2004 and took two years to complete. It covered everything from moths to air quality and outlined a series of measures to help safeguard the environment, including waste, air quality and noise management strategies, and promoting a conservation monitoring programme.

Since then, numerous additional studies have been prepared covering over 20 subjects. Eight reports were submitted to Shepway Council in October 2007 and last month the airport handed over a further eight volumes, plus plans and maps.

Airport managing director Cliff Spink said: “We have worked tirelessly to answer each and every concern that stakeholders have had about our development proposals. It’s been a painstaking, costly and time-consuming process but we recognise we have a duty to minimise any potentially significant effects the project might have on the environment and local community.

“However I believe the local authority also has a duty to secure inward investment and advance the district’s economy and people’s job security,” added Mr Spink.

The airport’s exhaustive preparations have drawn on the knowledge of environment, architecture, traffic and transport experts, as well as planning consultants and lawyers and the geography department of the University of Liverpool.

The latest reports include updates to traffic and transport assessments, studies on noise, ornithology, sewerage and invertebrates, a carbon management plan and a lighting impact assessment.

Added Mr Spink: “While some stakeholders will never be satisfied and will continue to object to the airport’s development, the council now has more than enough detail to determine our applications and we are confident there will be no further requests for information.

“We are ready and willing to invest and bring widespread social and economic benefits to the region at a time when the credit crunch is costing jobs and hitting many companies hard. Development of Lydd has never been more important - it’s time for the council to make its decision.”

The airport’s plans are 100% supported by business groups such as the Channel Chamber of Commerce and the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.

Cliff Spink said the investment in a new terminal and a runway extension would build on the current services already offered at Lydd. This includes an aircraft maintenance and repair service which is being expanded to meet increasing demand.

08 October 2008

London Ashford Airport (Lydd) has criticised the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds for attempting to block the planned development of the airport on Romney Marsh.

Lydd managing director Cliff Spink has reacted with irritation to the latest comments made by the regional office of the RSPB, in which it dismissed continued attempts to develop solutions to expanding the airport while minimising impact on local birdlife populations.

He said: “Our consultants have carried out over three and a half years worth of detailed environmental and ornithological studies. These have included studying the impact of noise on bird populations of conservation importance, a study on the impact of bird control programmes required for the development scenario on bird populations of conservation importance, and a 2006/07 wintering bird survey.

“Despite this the RSPB continues to adopt a negative stance towards Lydd and I’ve come to the conclusion that no matter how many studies we undertake the RSPB will always find reason to criticise. I believe it is simply trying to delay the development of the airport. The RSPB do not have a monopoly on the study of birds or the way businesses of all types have a balanced approach to such matters. RSPB would do well to engage with businesses like ours around the Country and develop partnership arrangements. Currently they take the stance ‘NO’ no matter what the question.

“It’s time for Shepway District Council to call a halt to this by making its decision on our planning applications,” added Mr Spink.

Cliff Spink said he has worked at and visited many UK coastal airports and many have thriving bird life communities around them. These include airports at Cardiff, Bournemouth, Manston and Newquay. “It’s been proven that birds and aviation can live together, and is especially evident at airports where important bird species and habitats co-exist with nearby military and civil air traffic,” he said.

Our already robust bird control programme at LAA is being continually developed will

consist of an improved long grass management programme, continued scrub

reduction, airfield water body netting, roof space management, local land use agreements,

improved active bird control and a local safeguarding policy.

07 October 2008

London Ashford Airport has announced the appointment of Air Marshal Clifford Spink CB CBE FCMI FRAeS as its new Managing Director. He replaces Mr Zaher Deir, who stepped down at the end of September.

Mr Spink, a pilot who served in the Royal Air Force for 40 years and commanded a Tornado detachment during Operation Desert Storm in the Gulf in 1991, has held the position of Non Executive Chairman at the airport since 2004.

He has been an active member of Lydd’s senior management team and has been a strong supporter of LAA’s multi-million pound development proposals.

Mr Spink said: “I’m taking over the reins at a very exciting time for the airport. I’m looking forward to working closely with staff, stakeholders, local councils and the business sector to deliver a first class modern regional airport and aircraft service facility which will create vital new jobs for local communities and help revitalise the economy of Shepway.”

Cliff Spink served in the RAF from 1963 to 2003. Rising to the rank of Air Marshal, he was a senior executive in the Royal Air Force who had extensive experience in leading and managing large organisations. He has had executive responsibility for maintaining the integrity of the UK Air Defences and Maritime Air Operations, involving the leadership of 10,000 staff and the control of a commercially large annual budget.

Since leaving the RAF in 2003, Mr Spink has become involved in numerous business interests within the aviation industry and is looking forward to his new challenge which involves him overseeing the airport’s future development and current operations.

Awards & Appointments

CB (2002)

CBE (1992)

OBE (1989)

Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society (1992)

Fellow of the Institute of Management (1997)

Liveryman of the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators of London (2003)

Warden of the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators of London (2007)

Interests

An active display pilot of vintage piston and jet fighter aircraft (Cliff Spink was a Spitfire display pilot during the Lydd Airshows held in 2006 and 2007)

Civil Aviation Evaluator (CAA) for display flying

President of the Historic Aircraft Association

President of the Battle of Britain Flight Association

President of the Observer Corps Association

Skiing and golf

22 September 2008

Mr Zaher Deir, Managing Director of London Ashford Airport (Lydd), has announced his resignation with immediate effect.

Mr Deir, who leaves his post after five years, said he was departing ‘with deepest regret and sadness’, citing differences with the shareholders and a member of the Board of directors of LAA who are responsible for running the business.

Mr Deir said: “My departure in no way affects the exciting development plans for the airport or the day-to-day running of the business.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Lydd, working with all the staff, the business community and stakeholders. They will be sorely missed. I’m very proud of what has been achieved here during my time as MD and I wish the airport and its staff every success in the future.”

Mr Deir’s replacement will be announced in due course.

Under Mr Deir’s direction, £25 million has been invested in upgrading the airport’s facilities. LAA has submitted two planning applications to Shepway District Council. One is for a new terminal building, capable of handling up to 500,000 passengers a year; the other is for a 294-metre runway extension together with an additional 150-metre starter extension. A decision is expected shortly.

10 September 2008

London Ashford Airport (Lydd) is teaming up with The Fire Fighters Charity to host Kent’s first Ladies’ Driving Challenge.

Women from across the county are being invited to take part in the ultimate girls’ day out next month and raise vital funds in the process. It’s the chance to get behind the wheel of some weird and wonderful vehicles, from buses, JCBs and fire engines to lorries and tanks!

Jo Oliver, Lydd Airport's PR Executive, says: “This is a first for Kent and I’m delighted the airport has been chosen as the venue. It’s going to be a great day and will raise money for a very worthy cause.”

For a registration fee of just £10, participants will be given expert tuition before getting the chance to drive at least four different vehicles. All they have to do in return is raise a minimum of £90 in sponsorship for The Fire Fighters Charity.

Charity spokesman Cathy Clark said: “This is a wonderful chance to put your driving skills to the test and would make a fantastic birthday or anniversary gift. We’d love to raise at least £10,000 for the charity and the more ladies who take part, the better chance we have of achieving that goal. So come on girls, show the boys how it’s done!”

Every 30 seconds in the UK, firefighters are called to an incident, putting their lives on the line and often sustaining physical injuries. The Fire Fighters Charity helps over 13,500 injured firefighters every year, by providing pioneering treatment and support services.

It costs more than £9 million every year to run the charity, which relies entirely on donations from the public and fire community.

The Kent Ladies’ Driving Challenge takes place at London Ashford Airport (Lydd) on Sunday, 19 October. For further details, call Cathy Clark on 01843 866320 or email her on cclark@firefighterscharity.org.uk. Or you can register online at www.firefighterscharity.org.uk

21 August 2008

Regional airports and air travellers will benefit from any sale of Gatwick and Stansted but the Government needs to show greater vision and commitment to enable Britain’s aviation industry to grow in the years ahead.

That’s the view of Zaher Deir, managing director of London Ashford Airport at Lydd in Kent, as he welcomed news that the Competition Commission is likely to force operator BAA to sell a number of its airports in the South East and Scotland.

For the past year, competition watchdogs have been probing BAA’s ownership of all three London airports to discover whether it operated against the public interest. Airlines have complained that Spanish-owned BAA has raised costs and delivered poor service. The Competition Commission this week concluded that BAA’s ownership of the Big Three airports in London did cause competition problems.

Zaher Deir said: “We’re pleased with the decision in regards to the BAA ownership. I believe the whole dynamic of South East airports will be more competitive, plus the fact that regional airports will benefit a great deal.

“The congestion at the main airports will not change due to them operating at maximum capacity; however smaller airports will enjoy the spill-over and will be able to build on the increase in aircraft movements and passenger numbers.”

For many years the BAA has enjoyed a near monopoly on airport provision for London, the South East and Glasgow and Edinburgh. The Commission now thinks that the ownership of Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted, which deliver 90% of London departures and arrivals, has resulted in lack of responsiveness and a lack of initiative over expanding capacity.

Zaher Deir said: “While the proposed break-up of the BAA monopoly is welcomed, the lack of foresight of successive governments to look at the issue of airport provision is a difficult one to solve, because breaking up the existing monopoly is only the start of the problem.

“Regional airports such as London Ashford Airport have a significant role to play, because by taking care of some of the short haul intra-European traffic, this allows airports such as Heathrow and Gatwick to focus on long haul flights.

“We have invested more than £25m in upgrading facilities at Lydd and nearly two years ago we applied for a runway extension and new terminal facility. We still await a date to be set by the local authority for our planning applications to be considered,” added Mr Deir.

“Increasingly any planning process seems to become more and more protracted. Lengthy delays in allowing airport expansion in the UK has dogged the development of air travel services since the 1950s and the problem is becoming more pressing.

“Unless the Government act soon to address the bigger picture in regards to UK airport capacity, the issues at Heathrow and the other London terminals will only get worse, and those with a choice will favour other European mega hub airports.”

Mr Deir said that many people overlooked the positive impact on the local economy generated by the successful development of a regional airport. This is particularly true at London Ashford Airport, where the surrounding area is in desperate need of quality jobs and career opportunities, especially for the younger generation.

“Without a vision and a commitment to airport expansion in the UK, this week’s findings from the Competition Commission in regards to the BAA monopoly will have limited impact for regional airports and air travellers in the future,” said Zaher Deir.

19 May 2008

London Ashford Airport (Lydd) in Kent has condemned anti-expansion protesters for reporting the leader of Kent County Council to a political standards watchdog after he publicly supported plans for the airport’s development.

Zaher Deir, managing director of the Romney Marsh airport said he was astonished that the Lydd Airport Action Group (LAAG) had called for Cllr Paul Carter to be reprimanded for comments he made at a recent public meeting, at which he said LAA’s proposed development would bring a welcome jobs boost to the region.

Said Mr Deir: “This tiny minority of anti-development protesters has relentlessly tried to scupper our plans to bring regeneration and prosperity to the Romney Marsh area and beyond, through negative advertising and scaremongering. Now they are trying to effectively gag Cllr Carter, along with other political figures who choose to voice their support for LAA’s development.

“It’s not KCC which will determine the airport’s planning applications but Shepway District Council and I’m appalled that LAAG is trying to stop Cllr Carter from giving his views when he is quite entitled to do so.”

Mr Deir believes that LAA, which has an excellent weather record and unrestricted airspace, is an environmentally acceptable solution to airport capacity problems in the South East. With the need for extra runway capacity continuing to rise, he says it’s vital that regional airports like LAA are allowed to develop.

He added: “Since BAA was privatised in the 1980s, it has had a virtual monopoly on Britain’s major airports. Now capacity at Heathrow and Gatwick is close to saturation point while demand for take-off and landing slots is increasing.

“In a part of the UK that has for so long been dominated by BAA, we’re facing a desperate lack of terminal and runway capacity which results in delay and congestion. The scale of development we are proposing at Lydd is extremely modest. We’re talking about just 10 or so aircraft movements a day – yet by allowing LAA to realise its full potential, we’re not just offering jobs, career prospects and local regeneration but also providing regional airline operators with convenient alternative runway facilities, reduced delays and fast check-in times

06 May 2008

Leader of Kent County Council, Cllr Paul Carter, has given a boost to plans to modernise and expand Lydd Airport on Romney Marsh in Kent.

The leader of KCC was invited to attend a public meeting at the airport on 24 April organised by the Friends of Lydd Airport Group (FLAG).

During the meeting, Cllr Paul Carter expressed his support for the development of Lydd and threw his weight behind the airport’s ambitions to invest tens of millions of pounds in creating a modern regional airport. Mr Carter also said he thought the successful development of air transport services at both Lydd and Kent International at Manston would have a major impact on job creation and economic regeneration in the county.

Airport managing director Zaher Deir, speaking after the meeting, said he was delighted to receive the council leader’s endorsement.

“Our planning applications for an extension to the runway and a new passenger terminal building will create many jobs for local people and help regenerate the economy of south east Kent so we are hugely encouraged to hear the leader of the county council voicing his support for our plans,” said Zaher Deir.

21 April 2008

Formula 1 motor racing bosses have become the latest clients to take advantage of facilities at London Ashford Airport, Lydd.

A Dassault Falcon 7X business jet, owned and operated by the Formula 1 Management Team, touched down at the Romney Marsh airport last week. The aircraft’s pilot and crew carried out ‘touch and go’ flight training, completing six circuits before returning the aircraft to its base at Biggin Hill.

The executive jet is the largest to use LAA’s training facilities since 1991, and is one of a rapidly growing number of aircraft using the airport to put pilots and crew through their paces. Just last month a Dutch-based airline spent several hours at Lydd carrying out ILS and circuit training.

Zaher Deir, the airport’s managing director, said: “Lydd’s unrestricted airspace, excellent weather record and attractive fees make it an ideal place for commercial training, as well as general aviation. The Falcon 7X crew were impressed with what we had to offer. We hope to see the pilots and crew returning to Lydd in the near future.”

07 April 2008

FAL Aviation, a fixed based operation (FBO) at London Ashford Airport (Lydd) in Kent, has been nominated for a ‘Best in Europe’ business travel award.

The news comes just weeks after FAL Aviation reported a record number of movements and fuel sales since its opening in September 2005. February saw the company handling 24 movements at the Romney Marsh-based airport compared to 13 during the same month last year, while jet fuel sales almost doubled.

FAL has been nominated in the prestigious ‘Best FBO Europe 2008’ category of the Business Destinations 2008 Travel Awards after being short-listed by a panel of leading business travel writers and corporate business travellers. The company was selected based on a number of criteria, including customer service, business facilities, location, ground transportation and facilities, technical capabilities and operational hours.

The full list of nominees and how to vote will be announced in Business Destinations magazine’s May / June issue and the winners will be published in the July / August edition.

Natalie King, Customer Services Manager said: “Our award nomination is testament to the hard work and friendly, efficient service we provide our corporate clients and supports the excellent feedback we receive time and time again from pilots and crew. We’ve attracted a number of new customers already this year, as well as different types of aircraft such as the BAE 146 and HS 125, so it’s been an excellent start to 2008 for FAL.

“We provide clients with a convenient gateway to London, the South East and Europe without all the stress or waiting times associated with using city airports. We have unrestricted air space, no runway slot restrictions, no weekend restrictions, and one of the best weather records of any airport in Britain.”

FAL Aviation provides handling services such as fuel and repositioning, plus sanitary needs and an array of personal services, from chauffeur-driven vehicles, helicopter charter and luxury aircraft catering to accommodation and conference facilities for corporate, business and private aviation clients who own or charter jets. The FBO also offers a designated rest area, showers, transport, accommodation arrangements and flight planning area for crew members.

For further information visit www.falaviation.co.uk, phone Holly Whitnall on 01797 322480, or email info@falaviation.com.

27 February 2008

A sharp increase in business at London Ashford Airport (Lydd) has sparked a recruitment drive to meet rising demand.

Staffing levels at the Romney Marsh airport have been strengthened across the board, including Ground Operations, Air Traffic Control, Catering, Customer Service and the airport’s Rescue and Fire Fighting Service.

The airport’s managing director, Zaher Deir, said: ‘We’ve had a very busy few months and expect the trend to continue during the spring and summer.’

Aircraft movements during September, October and November last year soared compared to the same period in 2006. October alone saw 2,458 movements – an increase of 45% on October 2006. The rise in aircraft movements has also boosted fuel and restaurant sales.

The number of aircraft using Lydd’s state-of-the-art ILS facilities for pilot training has also rocketed, up 220% between June and October last year compared with the same period in 2006.

Lydd’s excellent weather record and unrestricted airspace are proving a major draw for flying schools and airlines alike – among them Dutch airline, which spent several hours at the airport last Saturday carrying out ILS training for crew members.

LAA’s new recruits include 19-year-old Ben Hart, from Lydd, who joins the airport as Air Traffic Assistant; and trainee firefighters Dean Longhurst, 20, from Dover, and 24-year-old Douglas Thwaites, from Ashford.

Dean joins LAA from Robin Hood Airport in Sheffield, where he assisted in landside-based freight operations. He and fellow newcomer Douglas, who served as a security guard for the Home Office before joining Lydd, will now attend a six-week CAA accredited training course at the International Fire Training Centre, based at Durham Tees Valley Airport in Teeside.

LAA, which has invested more than £20m in modernising facilities over the past three years, is awaiting a decision from Shepway District Council on two planning applications: one for a new terminal building, capable of handling up to 500,000 passengers a year; and one for a 294-metre runway extension together with an additional 150-metre starter extension.

Zaher Deir said: ‘We’re expecting a decision on our applications soon. We’ve now submitted environmental reports that have gone way beyond the original scope and have answered all of the stakeholders’ concerns, so we’re quietly confident of a positive outcome.’

04 February 2008

Fire crews at London Ashford Airport (Lydd), Romney Marsh, have been putting their skills to the test during a major rescue exercise.

Wearing full breathing apparatus, the team faced zero visibility as they searched a smoke-logged terminal building for trapped and missing passengers and airport staff.

Special training smoke was pumped into the building to create realistic fire conditions as the crews swung into action. This was specifically created to enhance the airport’s Rescue & Fire Fighting Service crew’s knowledge in dealing with building structure fires with all the potential risks associated with this type of incident.

Fire appliances from Dymchurch and Aldington, and a South East Coast Ambulance representative, joined the airport team for the 50-minute drill, which took place on 23 January.

Paul Fisher, LAA’s Senior Airport Fire Officer, said: “These annual exercises are a mandatory requirement of our Civil Aviation Authority licence and help crews gain valuable experience of working with external emergency services to deal with a serious incident. I’m pleased to say that all the crews worked extremely well together and all objectives were achieved.”

The airport fire crew placed a newly qualified Junior Officer “in-charge” to gain valuable experience in dealing with a serious incident requiring a number of emergency services to work together.

The airport continues to expand and upgrade its fire and rescue services as part of its redevelopment programme. LAA now has 10 full-time CAA certified firefighters and 3 modern appliances, enabling the airport to handle aircraft as large as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A319-320.

25 January 2008

The Lydd Airshow management team, along with key decision makers at London Ashford Airport (Lydd), have reluctantly decided to cancel Lydd Airshow 2008. They had planned to run the event on the weekend of the 28 and 29 June.

Lydd Airport managing director Zaher Deir said he was disappointed to announce the cancellation of this summer’s event. More than 40,000 people attended Lydd Airshow in 2006 (its debut year) and 2007 and the event had quickly established itself as a major draw in Kent’s tourism calendar attracting in the region of 25,000 people.

He said: “Staging such a large-scale public event has been a huge organisational challenge and has been very costly. For the last two years Lydd Airshow has relied solely on Lydd Airport for its full financial support. To safeguard its future we recognised that a major sponsor was needed to help cover the cost of staging the airshow at Lydd but, despite our best efforts, we have been unable to attract a suitable sponsor.

“LAA is simply unable to keep covering the full cost of the airshow, so we have had no option but to cancel for this year.”

Mr Deir held out hope that the Lydd Airshow could return. “We will look into holding the airshow for 2009 provided we can secure sufficient funds. Looking further ahead, we would hope to run this popular family event every other year from there on.”

More than £20m has been invested in upgrading facilities at Lydd and the airport is currently involved in a long-running bid to gain planning consent from Shepway District Council for a new passenger terminal and an extension to its runway.

For more information visit www.lyddairshow.co.uk

15 January 2008

Mr Zaher Deir, Managing Director of London Ashford Airport (Lydd), said in response to the decision by Shepway District Council to re-schedule the planned 30 January meeting:

“We fully understand the Chief Executive at Shepway District Council’s decision to re-schedule this important meeting. We have submitted a large range of technical and specialist data to comprehensively support the two planning applications and this data needs to be assessed and understood by the Council before any decision is made on our applications.

"We appreciate that the two applications are complex and are pleased with the progress made to date.

"Since submission, we have been in discussion with Shepway District Council to ensure that they have the relevant information to assist them in coming to a reasoned conclusion. We will continue with these discussions so that the committee meeting can be re-scheduled soon.

“Our plans to develop and revitalise the airport will bring huge benefits to the local community and to the economy of the region and we are committed to working with Shepway District Council to deliver this investment as soon as possible.

“We are confident that a positive determination will be the result of the re-scheduled planning meeting,” he added.

07 January 2008

Responding to the RSPB, Zaher Deir, managing director of London Ashford Airport (Lydd), said: “Despite the negative comments from the RSPB, it’s a proven fact that birds and aviation can co-exist within the same surroundings.

“Over the last 50 years, Lydd has been a fully licensed airport and currently has around 30,000 movements per annum. It is not the number of passengers that matters, it is the effective management of bird control systems around any airport that really counts. Our comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment includes the findings of three wintering bird surveys. This data has been included as part of our submission to Shepway Council.

Dr Mark McLellan, ecologist and sustainable airport expert from airport consultants Parsons Brinckerhoff, has carried out a series of studies on ornithology on Romney Marsh..

Dr McLellan said: “The RSPB opposes the development despite submission of a study that shows there are many examples of airports much busier than the proposed expansion of LAA that co-exist with birdlife and adjacent bird reserves. LAA has put forward a plan which would reduce bird strike hazard while minimising any impact on conservation areas.”

20 December 2007

As part of our painstaking preparations for the submission of planning applications to develop Lydd airport, we have been working with the RSPB for the last three years on our Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). During this time, the airport has also fulfilled all its obligations in regards to the scoping report produced by Shepway District Council after they had consulted with RSPB, English Nature and other environmental agencies.

We have also since submitted further supplementary information which addressed all the concerns of these environmental agencies and others. The fact that the RSPB are still not satisfied with this information shows that no matter what studies we provide they will still continue to object to the airports proposals.

The supplementary information includes a number of studies on both the birds and the habitats they live in. These include a ‘Bird Hazard and Control programme’, and a ‘Predicted noise impacts on bird species of conservation importance’ and both show that “the development should not negatively affect the avian conservation interest at the SPA or other areas of avian conservation interest.”

The majority of the people in Shepway are in support of the development and welcome the huge job creation and economic benefits that it will bring. The highly vocal minority of residents who oppose the creation of a successful modern regional airport at Lydd are not representative of Shepway.

It is also important to note that a commercial airport has been at Lydd for more than 50 years and has proved to be a good neighbour during half a century of international air transport operations.

10 December 2007

London Ashford Airport’s weather equipment and reporting procedures are among the best for a regional airport anywhere in the UK, said the Met Office in a recent audit of the Kent airport’s facilities.

Over the last year 7,000 observations have been made by specially-qualified staff in the airport’s Air Traffic Control department. The accuracy of the half-hourly weather bulletins at the site at Lydd on Romney Marsh was rated at 97.8%.

The data from the observations is fed into a powerful computer which assists Met Office forecasters in compiling the weather forecasts seen and heard not just by the people of Kent and East Sussex, but also the rest of the UK.

Tim Maskens, Lydd’s Senior Air Traffic Controller, said: “I am very pleased with the glowing report from the Met Office. It shows Lydd Airport is providing a valuable service to aviators as well as farmers and the tourist industry in the local area who are as dependent on the weather as we are.”

London Ashford Airport has submitted two planning applications to Shepway District Council. One is for a new terminal building, capable of handling up to 500,000 passengers a year; the other is for a 294-metre runway extension together with a

150-metre starter extension. Councillors are due to vote on the plans on 30 January.

18 October 2007

A new study has produced compelling evidence that the development of London Ashford Airport will succeed in regenerating a stagnant local economy, create hundreds of jobs, provide long-term training opportunities for young people and have a positive impact on the tourism industry in the region.

With latest figures showing that unemployment in Lydd is more than double the average for the South East, continued investment at the airport is needed to help lift the economic gloom and offer hope to future generations, says the report.

The study was requested by Shepway District Council which asked for further information on the anticipated socio-economic impacts of the development proposals for London Ashford Airport (LAA). The local authority is evaluating two planning applications for a new terminal building capable of handling up to 500,000 passengers a year and for a 444 metre extension to the existing 1,505 metre runway.

LAA commissioned an independent planning consultancy, London-based Indigo Planning, and its conclusions provide further proof that upgrading the airport on Romney Marsh will have an overwhelmingly positive impact on a region in need of an economic boost.

According to the report, unemployment in Shepway in August 2007 was 2.8%. This is double the average for the South East and well above the national average of 2.3%. The jobless picture is even more depressing in Lydd, where unemployment was 3% in August. Long term unemployment of more than 12 months is a particular problem for the district.

Economic activity rates in Lydd are well below those for the district, with particularly low levels of economic activity for women. The population of Lydd is poorly qualified by local and national standards. Only 8.8% of local people have higher level qualifications at NVQ Level 4 and above, compared with 14.4% for Shepway and 20.4% for Britain as a whole.

The report adds: “Shepway faces a range of significant economic and social challenges. These include relatively high unemployment, low rates of economic activity, low wage levels, a poorly skilled workforce and benefit dependency. The communities close to LAA in Lydd ward and Romney Marsh ward contain pockets of deprivation and disadvantage and these communities are relatively fragile in economic and social terms, with few large employers, insufficient local job opportunities and problems associated with their remoteness.”

The report says that the regeneration and economic development priorities for Shepway, Kent and the wider South East are clear - the need to create jobs, the need to develop skill levels and the need to promote investment in strategic infrastructure, including transport infrastructure.

It goes on: “The development proposals for LAA will make a significant contribution to all three of these core themes and will support the delivery of regeneration and economic development priorities at local, sub-regional and regional levels.”

The analysis of the employment impacts of the expansion proposals for LAA explains that when operating at 500,000 passengers per annum LAA will generate a total of between 300 and 500 jobs. This represents a net addition of between 182 and 393 jobs. When operating at 300,000 passengers per annum LAA will generate a total of between 180 and 300 jobs - a net addition of between 64 and 182 jobs.

The construction of the new terminal building will create 28 full time equivalent jobs and the construction of the runway extension will create four full time equivalent jobs.

The report adds: “In overall terms, given the shortage of large employers locally and the relatively fragile nature of the communities close to LAA, we would expect the employment opportunities, along with the potential for related skills development and training initiatives, to make a significant contribution to the delivery of regeneration and economic development priorities for this part of Shepway.

“The expansion of LAA to 500,000 passengers per annum will have a positive impact on the tourism industry in Shepway and the wider region by generating increased visitor spend from overseas tourists and associated direct, indirect and induced jobs in tourism-related activities. The potentially negative tourism impacts generated by increased aircraft noise as a result of the expansion proposals are likely to be minor.

“The relatively low volume of aircraft movements in the 500,000 passengers per annum scenario is unlikely to be sufficient to cause a noticeable contraction in tranquility-based tourism in the vicinity of the airport. The positive impacts on tourism outweigh the potentially negative impacts of the expansion proposals for LAA,” the report adds.

The expansion has the potential to make a significant contribution to the achievement of key regeneration and economic development priorities relating to skills development and training. The construction of the terminal building in particular would provide a good opportunity to run a training scheme based on construction trades up to NVQ Level 2. This could be based on small cohorts of either young people or long run unemployed people in Lydd and Romney Marsh.

Shepway Council also asked for further evidence on the likely impact on house prices of the expansion plans for LAA. In considering all the issues, the consultants concluded that, given that there will be relatively few aircraft movements per day and that no domestic properties close to LAA lie within the 57 dB(A) noise contour, they do not expect the expansion of the airport to 500,000 passengers per annum to have an adverse impact on the local housing market.

LAA managing director Zaher Deir said: “This study is further proof that our proposals for the airport will be good for people looking for worthwhile careers in aviation, good for local communities, good for local businesses and good for the East Kent region as a whole. I’m confident that Shepway District Council will conclude that our development plans are the best way forward to securing sustainable prosperity for the area.”

27 August 2007

A powerful economic, business and operational case has been set for London Ashford Airport (Lydd) with Marketing Executive Natalie Bohane claiming: “This is an excellent opportunity for airlines to serve a strong regional market with fast access to London.”

Natalie Bohane outlined the reasons for choosing LAA at the launch of a campaign targeting low cost carriers located in the UK and across Europe. More than £20m has already been spent on upgrading facilities at Lydd – once the busiest airport in Britain - as part of the bid to create a modern regional airport to serve the South East.

The airport has submitted two planning applications to Shepway District Council. One is for a new terminal building, capable of handling up to 500,000 passengers a year; the other is for an extension to the existing 1505m runway, of 444-metres in length. A decision on the applications is expected soon.

“Major infrastructure improvements at London Ashford Airport mean that air carriers can now access one of the UK’s most prosperous counties and one of the fastest growing regions in Europe,” said Natalie Bohane. “We are ideally placed to allow access to the hot spot markets of South East England.”

Key benefits of choosing Lydd include lower costs associated with reduced sector lengths, direct track routings and fast access to altitude, no congestion-related delays inside the London TMA, short taxi times and quick turnarounds, competitive airport charges and slot times available to suit the airline’s requirements.

In addition, Lydd has one of the best year-round weather records of any British airport – a fact underlined on 22 December 2006 when a host of flights were diverted to Lydd after dense fog forced the closure of London’s major airports.

Other key benefits of using Lydd include the 2009 launch of high-speed rail services from Ashford, Kent to central London, slashing rail journeys to just 38 minutes and enabling carriers to sell Lydd as a London destination. The airport is a 20 minute drive from Ashford and 15 minutes’ flying time from France.

Ashford is one of the Government’s four designated ‘growth towns’ in South East England. It is the fastest growing town between London and Continental Europe and is located in the heart of the booming Channel Corridor. A £650m investment programme has been launched to create 28,000 jobs and 31,000 homes by 2031 – economic development which has already attracted a host of European firms to relocate to the area.

Zaher Deir, MD at the airport added: “In recent years we’ve invested heavily in modernising the airport. Today we have the facilities and capacity to handle 300,000 passengers a year and could be ready to cope with 500,000 passengers a year within 12 months.”

Improvements completed at Lydd include a resurfaced runway, upgraded instrument landing systems, the creation of an aircraft parking apron covering a 13 acre site, a new air traffic control system and new VIP terminal, improved car parking and new departure and arrival facilities for commercial traffic.

For more information about this opportunity call Natalie Bohane, Marketing Executive 01797 322497, email Natalie.bohane@lydd-airport.com or visit www.lydd-airport.co.uk.

03 May 2007

Continued uncertainty surrounding the future development of London Ashford Airport (Lydd) has forced managers to make cost savings by restructuring and merging departments, with the loss of 19 jobs at LAA and also six jobs with FAL Aviation, which is a subsidiary based at the airport.

Airport managers also admit that a question mark now hangs over their multi-million pound investment plans for Lydd and with it the economic regeneration of the region.

The airport has two planning applications before Shepway District Council for a new terminal building and a runway extension as part of an ambitious plan to create a successful regional airport in Kent. If the plans are approved, LAA expects to create large numbers of jobs as part of a huge economic boost for the county.

LAA managing director Zaher Deir said: “I can understand objections from some residents and pressure groups for such a development but what I cannot understand is the reluctance of local and regional authorities to act positively and to support what has already been approved as part of their structure plans.”

Mr Deir said he deeply regretted the redundancies but the airport could not continue to sustain the current level of operating losses in the face of a long delay to its planning applications.

“During the past three years we’ve privately invested more than £20m in modernising the airport and we’ve created dozens of jobs. However, in light of the current situation where we have some residents and pressure groups who are putting all sorts of hurdles in our way, I have been forced to take a long hard look at the finances.

“Restructuring departments will produce the cost savings that we need to make but I am very saddened that it means the loss of 25 jobs between LAA and FAL Aviation out of a total workforce of 77,” said Mr Deir, who added that staff consultations on the restructuring were continuing this week.

LAA is keen to stress that the redundancies do not impair the operational capability of the airport.

Mr Deir said he was frustrated that his plans to invest heavily in bringing economic regeneration to Romney Marsh were under threat, even though support for the development of Lydd airport was already contained within local and county plans.

“Romney Marsh is crying out for investment so it does make me wonder if local authorities in Kent are serious about developing the economy of the area. Who else is coming forward with proposals to spend tens of millions of pounds on major new projects like this?

“Unfortunately I don’t have the luxury of unlimited time to spend years waiting for planning permission. Every project has its time and the time for the development of Lydd airport is now,” added Mr Deir.

London Ashford Airport (Lydd) has submitted two planning applications to Shepway District Council. One is for a new terminal building, capable of handling up to 500,000 passengers a year; the other is for a 294-metre runway extension together with a 150-metre starter extension.

For further information, e-mail frontdesk@lydd-airport.co.uk or visit www.lydd-airport.co.uk

06 March 2007

London Ashford Airport (Lydd) could introduce a penalty system for pilots to minimise aircraft noise during take-off and landing – just one of a series of measures that will be put in place to help safeguard the environment as the airport continues to forge ahead with development.

Under the scheme, pilots would be fined for using ‘excessive thrust’ when coming into or departing from Lydd. Money raised from the fines would be ploughed into a special fund set up to benefit the local community.

LAA will also fund a study into wintering and breeding birds as part of a wider scheme to enhance bird conservation.

Details of these and other measures are outlined in the airport’s comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The EIA, which took more than two years to complete, followed extensive consultations with key stakeholders. The report reveals that the airport will:

• Produce an auditable waste management strategy to identify the most environmentally-friendly way to manage, collect and dispose of airport waste, with the focus on reducing, re-using and recycling. Waste prevention and minimisation programmes will also be targeted at airlines to cut down on waste generated by passengers.

• Seek to promote a conservation monitoring programme, linked to a biodiversity management plan, to ensure that airport development doesn’t result in any reduction in biodiversity.

• Work closely with the Civil Aviation Authority, the RSPB and Natural England to enhance bird conservation. As part of this, the airport will fund a research study to further assess the potential for air traffic to disturb wintering and breeding birds in the area.

• Develop a travel plan to encourage the use of ‘sustainable modes of transport’ for both passengers and staff and reduce the reliance on private cars. LAA will also contribute to enhancing the existing bus services between Lydd and Ashford International Station so that they go via the airport

• Work with regulatory authorities to develop a roundabout at Hammonds Corner, vastly improving traffic flow to the benefit of local residents.

• Develop an air quality management strategy and a long-term air quality monitoring study.

• Develop a noise management plan in consultation with the local authority – including, for example, a penalty system to fine pilots using excessive thrust when taking off from or landing at LAA.

LAA’s managing director, Zaher Deir, said: “The development of London Ashford Airport (Lydd) will bring widespread social and economic benefits, not just to Romney Marsh and Shepway but to Kent as a whole – a fact that has been recognised in the Kent and Medway Structure Plan.

“At the same time, LAA realises it has a duty to ensure that measures are in place to avoid, minimise or offset any potentially significant effects the project might have on the environment and local community. For that reason we continue to do everything we can to make sure any development is done in an environmentally sensitive manner.”

06 March 2007

London Ashford Airport (LAA) has succeeded in chartering a Boeing 737-300 series passenger jet to undertake take-off and landing trials at Lydd in Kent on Saturday

24 February.

The aircraft will spend around three hours at Lydd during which time it will perform a number of take-offs and landings using the airfield’s new instrument landing system. When arriving and departing, the jet will complete full circuits of the area following flight paths designated by the Civil Aviation Authority.

In hiring the 130-seater twin engined jet, airport managers are honouring a pledge made last year to local residents and MP Michael Howard. In meetings held to explain their plans to modernise and upgrade the airport, managers were faced with questions about flight paths and aircraft noise.

As a practical demonstration, LAA offered to bring in a passenger jet typical of the type that would be used if the airport succeeds in attracting more airline operators.

Managing director Zaher Deir said the substantial cost of hiring the B737 – Lydd is paying out a five figure sum – will be money well spent if it helps to demonstrate how well the airport can cope with modern passenger jets.

“Groups objecting to the development of Lydd are making wild claims about flight paths and jets screaming over rooftops. By arranging this visit everybody who lives on Romney Marsh and throughout the rest of Shepway can see the truth for themselves,” he added.

The airport intends to advertise the visit of the B737 in local press to ensure that Shepway residents are fully informed of the flight arrangements for the day.

Folkestone and Hythe MP Michael Howard said: “I am pleased that these flights will take place. I hope they give local people a real idea of what to expect if the airport succeeds in getting planning permission for its proposals.”

LAA has submitted two planning applications to Shepway District Council. One is for a new terminal building, capable of handling up to 500,000 passengers a year; the other is for a 294-metre runway extension together with an additional 150-metre starter extension. The council is currently undertaking a thorough public consultation programme before making a decision on the applications.

15 February 2007

Multi-million-pound plans to redevelop London Ashford Airport (Lydd) in Kent have taken another major step forward following the CAA’s approval of the airport’s Automatic Terminal Information Service.

Pilots using Lydd airport can listen to the ATIS broadcast from the aircraft by tuning in on their radio using VHF 129.225 Mhz, or they can telephone 01797 322422.

The ATIS is the latest in a long line of improved facilities introduced at Lydd, which also offers full ATC, NDB and a newly-resurfaced and grooved 1,505m runway with a PCN of 46/F/C/X/T.

Over the past three years more than £20m has been spent as part of ambitious plans to transform London Ashford Airport (Lydd) into a modern regional airport serving the South East. This has included resurfacing the runway, upgrading instrument landing systems, the creation of an aircraft parking apron covering a 13 acre site, a new air traffic control system and new VIP terminal, as well as new departure and arrival facilities for commercial traffic and establishing offices for Immigration and Customs.

In December 2006, London Ashford Airport (Lydd) submitted planning applications for a runway extension and a new terminal building capable of handling up to 500,000 passengers a year.

03 January 2007

London Ashford Airport (Lydd), in Kent, stepped in to handle dozens of diverted flights on Friday December 22, as thick fog left thousands of passengers facing cancellations and delays at the UK’s major airports.

Operations at LAA, which has the best weather record of any UK airport, were unaffected by the weather conditions which caused chaos for Heathrow, Gatwick and London City Airport and led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights.

Mr Zaher Deir, managing director of LAA, confirmed the airport handled 53 jet movements throughout the day. Of these, four were commercial flights bringing 110 passengers into Lydd and four were commercial flights departing from Lydd, carrying a total of 120 passengers. Flights included a Swiss-based airline, which was due to fly into London City Airport and return to Geneva later that day, and a French-based airline which was en route to Scotland.

Executive and corporate jet operators, who used LAA as a base during the bad weather, accounted for the remaining 45 aircraft movements.

Mr Deir added: “Our staff handled the sudden influx of flights extremely well and operations ran very smoothly. The airport remained open until 10pm to ensure that all passengers made their destinations in time for Christmas. Staff even arranged coach and taxi services for travellers to make their journey as quick and stress-free as possible.”

19 December 2006

London Ashford Airport today submitted two planning applications to Shepway District Council as part of its phased multi-million pound redevelopment programme for the site at Lydd in Kent.

The applications are for a new terminal building capable of handling up to 500,000 passengers a year and also a proposed extension to the existing airport runway.

The airport is licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority for general aviation, passenger flights and freight transport, and its existing terminal building can support up to 300,000 passengers per annum. The proposed runway extension will allow planes to operate at Lydd with full payloads, thus enabling the airport to offer a greater range of more distant destinations to passengers.

LAA proposes to increase the length of the existing runway by just under 20%, from 1,505m to 1,799m, adding a new starter extension at its northern end. The cost of the runway extension is put at £3m and it is expected to take around four months to construct.

Airport managing director Zaher Deir said the runway extension would not affect the type of aircraft or numbers of passengers would pass through the airport, but would allow the same type of aircraft which are capable of using the runway at this time to carry more fuel loads, thus permitting a greater range of destinations to be serviced than at present. “The increase in runway length will also have an added benefit of allowing the same number of passengers to be carried as previously with a smaller number of aircraft movements.

“As part of our overall redevelopment proposals for Lydd, separate applications are also being submitted for the construction of a new two-phase terminal building. The first phase would allow for up to 500,000 passengers a year, and the second would increase this capability to allow two million passengers to pass through the airport each year,” added Mr Deir.

The proposed new terminal building is subject to two separate planning applications, each covering the two phases of building development.

Phase one is a detailed planning application for a new terminal building of two linked rectangular structures with shallow curved roofs and floorspace of 81,860sq ft (7,605sqm) to accommodate 500,000 passengers a year.

The construction period for phase one of the terminal is scheduled to last around 18 months and will be triggered once the airport reaches 200,000 passengers with the existing facilities.

A huge number of jobs will be created if the applications are approved. The runway extension will provide four full-time equivalent construction jobs, with an additional 180 direct jobs created when the extension is operational and the airport is accommodating 300,000 passengers a year.

In addition, it’s estimated that phase one of the terminal building will create 28 full-time equivalent construction jobs and once operational 300 direct jobs. Phase two will support 15 full-time equivalent construction jobs and during operation some 1,200 direct jobs – making a total of 43 construction and 1,500 direct jobs created as a result of phases one and two.

Zaher Deir said: “These employment vacancies should be taken up by the local labour market on Romney Marsh and the surrounding districts and this will do much to help regenerate the regional economy and breathe new life into local communities.

“The development of Lydd airport should also promote inward investment and benefit local companies through the option of flying from LAA to a wider choice of locations than at present. A thriving airport is also expected to influence new businesses in their choice of location due to improved services offered by the airport,” he added.

The applications are supported by a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment. The EIA covers all points which were identified in Shepway District Council’s scoping report, which covers , but is not limited too, issues including land use, ground conditions, water resources, terrestrial and aquatic ecology, bird conservation and hazard management, landscape and visual amenity, traffic and transport, air quality, noise and vibration and socio-economic issues.

Shepway District Council will be advertising details of the planning applications in the local press and on its website (www.shepway.gov.uk) – copies of Lydd’s applications will be made available for the public to study.

20 November 2006

STATE-OF-THE-ART FIRE TENDER JOINS GROWING FLEET AT LYDD

Multi-million-pound plans to develop London Ashford Airport, Lydd, continue to forge ahead with further investment in the airport’s rapidly expanding fire and rescue services.

A Javelin 6x6 foam tender, capable of handling all terrain on and around the airfield, is the latest vehicle to join the growing fleet of modern appliances. Just five months ago the airport invested in a second Carmichael Cobra 2, one of the most advanced firefighting machines ever made. Together, the three machines allow the airport to handle aircraft as large as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A319-320.

LAA is also continuing to invest heavily in staff. The airport’s fire crew has grown steadily from four to 11 full-time CAA certified firefighters in the past two years and now two trainees are being recruited to join the team.

Senior airport fire officer Paul Fisher said: “London Ashford Airport has quickly built a good reputation for quality staff training and excellent career opportunities and we’ve been inundated with applications for the new trainee posts.”

Investment in the fire and rescue service is the latest in an on-going programme of redevelopment aimed at transforming London Ashford Airport (Lydd) into a modern regional airport capable of handling up to two million passengers a year by 2014.

Around £20m has already been spent on resurfacing the runway, upgrading instrument landing systems, the creation of an aircraft parking apron covering a 13 acre site, a new air traffic control

system and new VIP terminal, as well as new departure and arrival facilities for commercial traffic and establishing offices for Immigration and Customs.

09 June 2006

PUBLIC CONSULTATION PROCESS REVEALS SIGNIFICANT SUPPORT FOR LYDD

LAA News

08 June 2006

PUBLIC CONSULTATION RESULTS

PUBLIC CONSULTATION PROCESS REVEALS SIGNIFICANT SUPPORT FOR LYDD

During a series of nine public consultatation meetings Lydd Airport senior management presented the facts behind the multi-million-pound development proposals for London Ashford Airport (Lydd).

The presentations form part of the airport’s public consultation programme and took place at the following venues.

5 April New Romney Assembly Rooms

12 April Lydd Community Hall

19 April London Ashford Airport (Lydd)

26 April Hythe Town Hall

27 April London Ashford Airport (Lydd)

10 May Folkestone South Kent College Main Hall

17 May London Ashford Airport (Lydd)

24 May Holiday Inn Central on Canterbury Road

31 May Rye Town Hall

London Ashford Airport Ltd’s operates an ‘open door’ policy, providing up-to-date and clear information about every stage of the airport’s proposed redevelopment.

Airport managing director Zaher Deir said: ‘We wanted to give as many people as possible the opportunity to find out about the work we are doing at the airport. We have always been very frank and open about our development plans and we will be more than happy to discuss any concerns residents might have.

LAA’s senior management team plan to transform Lydd into a modern regional airport capable of handling up to two million passengers a year by 2014.

Questions Options Number of Votes

1. Please rate the following in their order of importance to you:

New jobs for Local people

Very Important 68%

Fairly Important 11%

Least Important 15%

Supporting local businesses by buying locally

Very Important 41%

Fairly Important 35%

Least Important 17%

More visitors to the area

Very Important 23%

Fairly Important 13%

Least Important 37%

2. Which of the following issues concern you most?

Noise and Vibration 76%

Road Traffic 76%

Landscape/Visual Issues 39%

Ground Conditions 24%

Water Resources 40%

Air Quality 55%

Flood Risk 23%

Archaeology 17%

Land Use 30%

Ecology and Nature Reserve 65%

3. What Places would you like to fly to from the Airport?

Nowhere 22%

Europe 28%

France (Marseille/Nice/Paris/South) 17%

Rotterdam 1%

Hamburg 2%

Channel Islands 8%

USA 1%

UK 14%

Spain (Malaga/Canary Is.) 16%

Italy (Pisa) 2%

London Airports (LGW/LHR/STN) 4%

Belgium (Brussels) 3%

Ireland (Dublin) 4%

Scotland (Edinburgh) 4%

Switzerland (Geneva) 4%

Barbados 2%

Amsterdam 1%

Greece / Cyprus 5%

Portugal 1%

Prague 1%

Scandanavia 3%

4. What impact do you think the airport development will have on the quality of life?

Improve it 36%

No Difference 23%

Make it worse 38%

Cannot make decision Yet 4%

5. Has todays presentation helped you understand the plans for development of the Airport?

Yes 90%

No 11%

6. How do you prefer to be consulted with?

Public Presentations 53%

Newsletters 43%

Websites 18%

Email 24%

Newspapers 4%

Carrier Pigeon 2%

01 March 2006

LONDON ASHFORD AIRPORT IN KENT IS “THE MOST ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY SOLUTION TO RUNWAY AND AIRSPACE CONGESTION IN THE SOUTH EAST”

As the UK Government and the aviation industry come under increasing pressure to find green solutions to meet the growing demand for air travel in the UK, London Ashford Airport (Lydd) in Kent has underlined its credentials as “the most environmentally friendly solution to runway and airspace congestion in the South East of England”.

‘Telling people that they cannot fly on business or on holiday is not the answer to airspace congestion,’ said London Ashford Airport managing director Zaher Deir. ‘Regional airports like Lydd are the best way forward and we are also the greenest solution to this problem.’

The airport, which is located on the Dungeness peninsula on the edge of Romney Marsh, has responded to press reports today (1 March) suggesting that growth in air travel is a major contributor to global warming and climate change. Press reports indicate that the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IGPCC) is about to issue a new report which warns that global warming is accelerating.

And with Heathrow and Gatwick approaching full capacity, there is pressure to find environmentally-friendly solutions to cope with year-on-year increases in demand for air travel in the UK. And this is where Lydd comes in.

Lydd – renamed London Ashford Airport (Lydd) – has just celebrated its 50th anniversary and in its 1960s heyday was Britain’s busiest airport. New owners London Ashford Airport Ltd are behind an ambitious project to upgrade the airport, with more than £15m already spent. When completed, Lydd will have the capacity to handle up to two million passengers a year by 2014.

Zaher Deir said there are many sound environmental reasons why Lydd should be the focus of airport development over the next decade, not least the fact that aircraft arriving and leaving Lydd do so over the sea.

He points out that holidaymakers originating in Kent, Sussex and Surrey are being forced to drive north to Luton or Stansted airports due to a lack of runway capacity at Heathrow or Gatwick. These ‘enforced’ car trips are adding to vehicle emissions and environmental pollution.

Mr Deir said that adding extra runway capacity at congested airports like Heathrow and Gatwick is not the best option to meet increased demand for air travel.

Mr Deir said that the vast majority of all UK flight departures and arrivals are over the south and south east coast of England. So any surface journeys to airports north of London from Kent, Sussex and Surrey are a ‘destructive’ component of the overall journey, the result of holidaymakers having to travel north before flying south.

‘Conversely, passengers originating from counties surrounding Luton or Stansted and travelling by road to departure airports south of London, are performing a ‘constructive’ part of the overall journey in the majority of cases,’ he added.

Mr Deir said that several key issues arise from this - needless extra road traffic and air pollution and the criss-crossing of the London Terminal Manoeuvering Area (TMA) by aircraft departing south and returning north, which increases collision risk and low level environmental impact over built-up areas. ‘It’s also cheaper to depart from a UK airport located closer to your overseas destination – important when cost is a key driver in the holiday sector.’

Mr Deir added: ‘The problem is that Gatwick is now at the limit of its runway capacity and with the dominance of scheduled services, it no longer offers room to grow for the leisure sector. Lydd is the closest UK airport to the popular European and North African holiday destinations and we are currently developing excellent facilities for the leisure sector.

‘Lydd's location south of the London Terminal Manoeuvering Area means that we are the most environmentally friendly option when it comes to providing additional runway capacity in South East England,’ he added.

24 August 2005

NEW AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM GOES LIVE AT LONDON ASHFORD AIRPORT; INVESTMENT IS A FURTHER BOOST TO SAFETY

London Ashford Airport has today (24 August) confirmed that the Civil Aviation Authority has officially approved the newly-upgraded Air Traffic Control system at Lydd.

CAA officials visited the airport to certify that the new ATC system meets their stringent criteria. Airport officials have been working closely with the CAA for many months to ensure that the investment in flight monitoring and control systems will help cope with expected increases in traffic levels.

Mr Zaher Deir, managing director for London Ashford Airport Ltd, said: 'We are delighted to announce the long-awaited upgrade to full Air Traffic Control at Lydd. This investment will improve the service we offer to airport users and will provide us with a much greater level of control over aircraft arriving and departing.

'This new system is a huge boost to safety because it enables us to monitor and control flight movements like never before. It is another important part of our exciting plans to modernise and improve facilities at Lydd.'

Almost £10m has already been spent on improvements at Lydd, which London Ashford Airport Ltd is planning to transform into a modern airport capable of handling up to two million passengers a year by 2014. Up to 4,000 new jobs are also expected to be created.

02 August 2005

LAUNCH OF FAL AVIATION UK STRENGTHENS LYDD AIRPORT.

Exciting plans to turn Lydd Airport, in Kent, into one of the most modern airports in the UK have come a step closer with the launch of FAL Aviation UK.

Dignitaries, politicians and business leaders were among those who gathered at the airport last Friday (July 29) for a Champagne reception to herald FAL Aviation's arrival. The company will provide handling services - including state-of-the-art ground equipment, fuel, landing and parking services, as well as exclusive use of a new VIP lounge - for corporate, business and private aviation clients who own or charter small jets.

Guests at the launch, who included the Mayor of Le Touquet, France, Monsieur Leonce Deprez, enjoyed Champagne and canapés before being offered a tour of the new facilities. They were then invited outside the terminal to watch Air Marshal Clifford Spink, chairman of Lydd Airport, perform a stunning series of aerobatic manoeuvres in a World War II Corsair aircraft.

Zaher Deir, managing director at Lydd Airport, said the opening of FAL Aviation was an important landmark in the development of the airport and marked the completion of £400,000 of work to upgrade the existing terminal.

An additional £2 million has been spent refurbishing the main maintenance hangar, creating and refurbishing the VIP terminal, as well as new departure and arrival facilities for commercial traffic, establishing offices for Immigration, Customs and other authorities, and buying ground equipment to enhance the handling of incoming and outgoing traffic.

Plans are well under way to develop Lydd, which has rebranded itself as London Ashford Airport, as a modern regional airport capable of handling up to two million passengers a year by 2014.

More than £7 million has already been spent on resurfacing and strengthening the runway, upgrading instrument landing systems, improving the fire and emergency services capability and creating an aircraft parking apron covering a 13 acre site.

Further work will involve designing and building a new terminal building and an extended runway, subject to planning permission. The airport owners have also unveiled detailed proposals to build a luxury 75-bedroom hotel on the adjoining golf course.

To find out more about FAL Aviation UK, e-mail Info@FALAviation.com

Visit the FAL Aviation website www.FALaviation.com

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STATE-OF-THE-ART FIRE TENDER JOINS GROWING FLEET AT LYDD

09 June 2006

PUBLIC CONSULTATION PROCESS REVEALS SIGNIFICANT SUPPORT FOR LYDD

01 March 2006

LONDON ASHFORD AIRPORT IN KENT IS “THE MOST ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY SOLUTION TO RUNWAY AND AIRSPACE CONGESTION IN THE SOUTH EAST”

24 August 2005

NEW AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM GOES LIVE AT LONDON ASHFORD AIRPORT; INVESTMENT IS A FURTHER BOOST TO SAFETY

02 August 2005

LAUNCH OF FAL AVIATION UK STRENGTHENS LYDD AIRPORT.

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