Airport’s ‘milestone’ as £32m plan wins Government backing (From Bournemouth Echo)

Airport’s ‘milestone’ as £32m plan wins Government backing

7:00pm Thursday 19th July 2007 in

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BOURNEMOUTH AIRPORT's £32 million expansion plan has now been approved by the Government.

The go-ahead is due to an initiative to divert traffic away from London airports to the smaller regional ones.

It is anticipated this will save 43 million vehicle miles per year.

Ambitious managing director of Bournemouth Airport, Peter Duffy plans to have the first phase completed by February.

Some buildings have already been demolished where planning permission was not required.

The first phase will see construction of a new international arrivals hall, departure lounges and retail facilities.

Mr Duffy said: "This is a milestone in the airport's history. Now we can begin to deliver our vision and an air-port of which the region can be proud."

"It's estimated that we'll be handling three million passengers within ten years, so we need to start work as soon as possible."

By 2030, passenger flights could reach 100 aircraft a day which will transform the airport's current turnover of £14.4m and £1.6m profit.

The expansion is set to create 1,910 full time jobs by 2015.

"A phased five year construction period means we can build in a logical, cost-effective manner, delivering capacity when required."

Local business will benefit as the project team wants to source locally.

Mr Duffy added: "We're keen to use experienced local builders. We want competitive bids from local firms."

As part of the planning permission, the airport has committed to funding improved public transport links, establishing a £10,000 annual community fund (rising to £30,000 linked to passenger growth) supporting local projects, and introducing a green travel plan.

The plans do not mean runway extensions and the increased passenger numbers will not mean increased flights, noise and pollution levels.

Advances in aviation technology should create larger, quieter and more fuel-efficient aircraft.