Newcastle International Airport has announced its future expansion plans, which are likely to result in more than 2,000 new jobs being created over the next decade.
The plans will see extensive development of the site, with increased potential for the terminal, more car parking space and construction of office and factory space. The successful completion of the plans would also more than double the airport’s worth to the regional economy, to GBP1.3bn by 2030, the authorities said.
The expansion will also see passenger numbers increasing from over four million in 2012 to eight and a half million journeys by 2030, with around 87,000 aircraft arriving and departing. The ongoing green belt changes planned by Newcastle Council could see some additional airport expansion after 2030.
Dave Laws, chief executive of Newcastle International Airport said: ‘Our aim is to be the UK’s most welcoming airport. As part of this aim we want to provide an improved airport, to encourage new routes and attract new customers. To do this we need to develop additional infrastructure, such as improvements to the terminal, better car parking and access, and the development of the southside, which will help diversify the airport business and secure new income sources.
‘We want to help our neighbours and the wider North East region understand how the airport will grow in the future. We also want to demonstrate that we have carefully considered the local impacts our plans could have, including on the community, the environment and local roads. We’ve launched a consultation process in order to hear everyone’s view on our plans, and once all the responses have been reviewed we will consider whether any changes need to be made,’ he added.
The expansion will be mostly focused on the 80-acre Southside Development, which has already received approval for some sections. Work over two sites south of the runway will include hangar space for aircraft maintenance and a business park with office space. The airport could also have a second pier added for departing and arriving aircraft.
The airport’s majority shareholders are the seven North East councils, including Newcastle, which is looking to introduce direct regular flights to the US from Tyneside. Australian investment firm, AMP Capital, the airport’s new minority shareholder, has also backed the plans.
