Southampton Airport has published its draft master plan, outlining its vision for the next 25 years. By 2030, the airport will generate 4,000 jobs for…
Southampton Airport has published its draft master plan, outlining its vision for the next 25 years. By 2030, the airport will generate 4,000 jobs for local people and is predicting contributions to the regional economy of £260 million per year.
The draft master plan, which officially launches on 14 July, explains how Southampton Airport intends to meet the growing demand for regional air travel in two distinct time frames: from now till 2015 and from 2015 to 2030. It also restates the airport`s commitment to sustainable development and responsible growth.
David Cumming, Managing Director – Southampton Airport, said:
“Over the next 25 years we will continue to support the growing commercial, leisure and cultural success of the region in a responsible and sustainable way. This outline master plan emphasises the importance we place on working with our local community to achieve a balance between the benefits such as investment and jobs, and negative impacts such as aircraft noise.
“As we grow, we aim to build upon our reputation as one of Europe`s leading regional airports, offering an increasing choice of destinations to the major cities of Europe, with onward connections worldwide. Our new £5 million departure lounge, which opens on 18 July 2005, will double the existing lounge capacity and is an example of the investment we are making in the future success of Southampton Airport. Our intention is to remain a regional airport, rather than to grow to the size of airports such as Heathrow or Gatwick, which carry around 67 million and 32 million passengers respectively.”
Passenger numbers are forecast to rise from today`s 1.5 million passengers to an estimated 6 million in 25 years` time. But the number of flights is expected to increase at around half this rate and aircraft engine technology is anticipated to make progress in noise and emission reductions during this time. The airport will also continue its ban on night flights.
Open days will be held at the airport on 26 July,16 September, 20 September and 30 September, giving interested groups the opportunity to meet with airport representatives by appointment to discuss the master plan.
Key points of the outline master plan are as follows:
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