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Blackpool Airport has continued its investment in on-site infrastructure and facilities with the installation of a new VHF Direction Finder
The HAYSYS Class A equipment (accurate to within two degrees) continues the commitment shown by the airport’s shareholder Blackpool Council to upgrade and enhance the infrastructure in support of the airport’s ten year growth plan.
In addition to the operational benefits the new system brings to both pilots and air traffic controllers at Blackpool, the new system will bring significant benefits with regards to preventing misidentification of the nearby Warton Aerodrome.
Steve Peters, Managing Director of Blackpool Airport, said: “The heritage and history of Blackpool Airport is well known, and we are now looking towards an exciting future which will see us become a leading corporate aircraft, GA and flight training hub.
“We are exploring the possibilities of new hangars and the opportunities for aviation businesses which the surrounding Enterprise Zone brings, as well as a future plan for regional commercial passenger flights, which could benefit from leading sustainable aviation technologies.
“We will also continue to be a great destination for flight training and general aviation activities, and these investments will support customers to enjoy the best experience when operating in and out of Blackpool.”
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.
Over £2 million has already been invested in the 114-year-old airport, including improvements to new airport lighting wiring systems, pavement and runway works, a new voice communication system for Air Traffic Control, on top of the new VDF system. Plans are under way for the development of a new ATC system, new fuel farm and fire station, as well as development of both corporate aircraft and general aviation facilities.
Last year, the airport completed over 40,000 aircraft movements, an increase on the last pre-Covid year in 2019.
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
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Notes to Editors:
For further information, please contact Enterprise Zones Communications Manager at Blackpool Council on 07442 883106.
Background Information - Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone
- Enterprise Zones are part of the Government’s wider Industrial Strategy to support businesses and enable local economic growth. Blackpool Airport was awarded enterprise status in 2016 until 2041.
- The Enterprise Zone is a 144 hectare site that includes Blackpool Airport, Blackpool Retail Park, Blackpool Business Park and surrounding land up to the border of Common Edge Road.
- The 144 hectare site is much larger than many of the other UK enterprise zones and straddles the boundary between the Borough of Fylde (55%) and Blackpool (45%). Much of the site sits within designated greenbelt and has multiple stakeholders, up to 20 freehold and long leasehold property interests and over 200 occupiers.
- Easy to get to from Jct 4 of the M55 motorway (10 minute drive), Blackpool South train station (5 minute walk)
- The purpose of the Enterprise Zone status is to:
- create jobs and long term sustainable growth
- unlock development sites
- build new roads, utilities and supporting housing and schools
- attract new business to the area
- The Enterprise Zone offers local businesses financial help to get started. By moving to the Enterprise Zone businesses can benefit from Enhanced Capital Allowances if a company decides to design and build their own building
All the money collected through the new business rates generated on the EZ, over the 25 year lifespan, is kept by Blackpool Council as the accountable body (no cut given back to government) to re-invest in local economic growth. In addition, the Government is working actively with Enterprise Zones to help to unblock any barriers to delivery, such as support with transport infrastructure, environmental issues and providing advice on marketing zones to international investors.