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Blackpool Airport was the 20th busiest airport in the UK in 2022, according to official aircraft movement figures released by the Civil Aviation Authority recently.
In 2022, the airport handled 37,259 aircraft movements (take offs & landings), ranking the airport busier than Teesside International, Leeds Bradford, Coventry, Bournemouth and Southampton.
The majority of the aircraft movements were in the general aviation sector, with Blackpool Airport the second most popular airport for general aviation visitors last year. In addition to general aviation, a 57% increase in business aircraft movements was recorded.
The popularity of Blackpool Airport comes as it starts to delivers on its ten-year business plan to enhance the profile of the airport, increase aircraft movements and create new commercial opportunities to attract more flights and long-term customers.
Delivery of the airport’s business plan sits alongside the Enterprise Zone Masterplan, which will deliver much needed upgrades to or replacement of existing infrastructure.
Over £2 million has been invested in the 114-year old airport since it was purchased by Blackpool Council in 2017. In addition to the new direction-finding (DF) equipment, improvements to airport lighting wiring systems, taxiway and runway works and a new voice communication system for Air Traffic Control, planned upgrades of Met Sensors, telecoms, CCTV system, security fencing and additional taxiway and runway works are scheduled to happen in the next 12 months.
Steve Peters, Managing Director, said: “Blackpool Airport has historically been a popular general aviation (GA) destination for visiting aircraft and pilots, and the 2022 aircraft movement figures support that. One of the goals now is to build on that popularity, in both the GA and business aircraft sectors, with the long term objective of bringing people into the area to visit, spend and invest.
“As a business aviation airport we offer a secure, discreet, convenient destination in the north-west with an excellent aircraft handling service provided by Hangar Three and the Blackpool Airport security team. This service will be enhanced in the very near future as additional equipment and facilities come on stream.
“Scheduled, regional domestic operations are also front and centre in our thinking and planning. Discussions are underway with interested parties to determine the best routes and aircraft types to deliver these services to the local and wider community.”
Blackpool Airport is a thriving hub for business, medevac and general aviation and offers aircraft handling, parking, engineering and refuelling services, flight and instrument training as well as having facilities for executive lounges and crew briefing.
Blackpool Council reacquired Blackpool Airport from Balfour Beatty in September 2017 for £4.25m via its ownership of Blackpool Airport Operations Ltd and Blackpool Airport Property Ltd, to save it from the risk of permanent closure and to secure its long-term future as part of the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone.
After transferring the CAA licences back under the control of the airport in November 2021 and appointing a new managing director, the airport is now implementing a 10-year business plan to increase and grow the profile of the airport, upgrading existing infrastructure and creating a long-term, commercially sustainable, future.
For more information about Blackpool Airport, visit blackpoolairport.com
