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Newquay Cornwall Airport was ranked as the fastest growing airport in the UK, during the just completed financial year (1 April 2008 to 31 March 2009). By bucking the trend of other UK airports with passenger growth of 15%, whilst delivering improved on-time punctuality averaging 98%, Newquay has shown its capacity to continue to develop successfully and efficiently despite an economic climate in which the latest UK CAA report for UK regional airports showed an average -4% decline in traffic.
This picture of passenger growth and high operational standards were achieved despite the complexity of delivering the transition from a military to civilian airport, which was completed on 19 December 2008, when a CAA license was granted. Newquay now offers some of the most modern airfield facilities in the country and planned terminal and car parking facilities will match these once completed over the next 12 months.
This achievement was the culmination of more than two years of design and build around the airfield including a new air traffic control tower, new fire station, fire appliances and fire training rig, resurfacing of the entire runway, new approach and airfield lighting and over seven miles of perimeter fencing. A CAT III ILS (Instrument Landing System) has been installed and will be operational from May, giving the airport enhanced runway capability particularly in poor visibility conditions.
During the same period, significant expansion of the terminal building was also completed, to bring the total capacity up to 700,000 passengers per year. Works included a new arrivals hall enabling simultaneous handling of domestic and international flights, expansion of the security and check-in areas, an outside walkway and new food and beverage units.
Coincident with the transition, the Airport Development Team has now joined their Operations counterparts in a new office at the airport. A ceremony was held at the Airport on Monday 27 April, announcing the naming of the building as ‘St Mawgan House’, and the new Air Traffic Control Tower. The new fire station will have its official unveiling on 8 May.
Chris Cain, Project Director said “Passengers have been extremely supportive of the Airport. The transition from military to civilian airport has been an ambitious project and the majority of passengers appreciate that were it not for Cornwall County Council agreeing to acquire the Airport in the first place, they would no longer be able to enjoy the benefits, not to mention the boost to the local economy derived from Cornwall having its own, local airport”.
“The Airport has made, and will continue to make a vital contribution to the Cornish economy for decades to come” said Tom Flanagan, Director, Environment, Planning & Estates at County Council. “The journey from two destinations in 2001 to the current 20 from Newquay Cornwall Airport is an example of the tremendous progress made. The Airport Team should be proud of its achievements.”
Karen Medweth, Head of Commercial Development added “The rapid growth of Newquay Cornwall Airport brings good news for the development of Cornwall. It provides an important service to the county, connecting Cornwall to the rest of the country and the wider world. The Airport is vital for the economy of Cornwall and will help to bring more investment to the region.”
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
