Masterplan 2035 aims to deliver improved connectivity, economic benefit, support an increase in inbound tourism and deliver an excellent customer experience
The North East’s largest airport, Newcastle International, has launched its ambitious vision for the future with its Masterplan 2035, and commenced a consultation aimed at getting the views of the public and stakeholders.
The draft plan, which sets out the award-winning airport’s goals for its centenary year, will enable the airport to compete in the global economy whilst delivering significant economic benefits to the North East, surrounding regions and the rest of the UK.
Newcastle International Airport is one of the North East’s great success stories and has benefited from more than £250 million in investment over the last 30 years, as well as a number of years of sustained growth. The Masterplan launched today will ensure there is a framework in place to enable the airport to grow in the years to 2035 in a way that benefits the people of the North East in a sustainable manner.
Passenger numbers, which reached 5.35 million in 2017, are expected to continue grow in the years to 2035. The Masterplan will provide a framework to allow the delivery of improved connectivity to ensure passengers don’t need to travel to airports outside of the region. It also sets out aims to support an increase in inbound tourism. In order to ensure that all possible impacts are considered, the Masterplan is based upon a high forecast growth scenario of up to 9.4 million passengers by 2035.
It is hoped that future improvements in aircraft performance will mean that future destinations can be served from the existing Newcastle International Airport runway. It is prudent, however, for the Masterplan to safeguard for a possible runway extension in case aircraft performance improvements beyond those that are already known about do not materialise. With this in mind, a possible extension of 700m at the eastern end has been safeguarded, thereby ensuring that the North East has the opportunity to secure new long haul air routes in the future.
A full public consultation period has now commenced, with drop-in sessions and meetings to be hosted by Newcastle International Airport for local residents to learn more about the plans, have questions answered and concerns addressed. The consultation period will run from today to 5pm on 13th September, 2018. Following the consultation, all responses will be considered, and a revised and final Masterplan 2035 will be adopted.
The full Masterplan 2035 document, details of all public consultation meetings and contact information can be found at www.newcastleairport.com/masterplan.