Member Article

Durham Tees Valley Airport launch new General Aviation campaign

Durham Tees Valley Airport has launched a major drive to attract more General Aviation business with the announcement of new tariffs which offer savings for both aircraft based at the airport and visiting flyers.

General Aviation (GA) covers everything from gliders and the smallest private aircraft to air ambulance services and corporate jets and in fact the vast majority of aircraft flying in the UK are included in the GA sector.

Head of Aviation Development with Peel Airports, Chris Harcombe, said: “A key element in the Master Plan for Durham Tees Valley is to move towards a business model targeting scheduled services and General Aviation.

“The announcement of the new tariffs marks a big step forward in offering a package which can attract more business right across the GA field.

“We are now offering excellent value fees for both new based operators and visiting aircraft, together with monthly parking tariffs and improvements such as pre-booked landing cards.

“We have a lot to offer GA flyers—for example a good weather record, experienced and friendly air traffic services, instrument approach facilities, with multi-use hangar space available immediately and the potential to rapidly provide bespoke new-build hangars if required.

“Over the coming months we will be drawing up plans for further innovations with the aim of establishing Durham Tees Valley as a focal point for General Aviation in the region.”

The new GA package has already gained support from private owners and business operators. Doctor Justin Carter has recently moved his aircraft to Durham Tees Valley and he says it reflects a growing recognition of the importance of the sector.

Justin said: “Durham Tees Valley is a great facility with helpful ATC, instrument approaches, a long runway with year-round use and hangar facilities with ample space for more. The reduction in fees means the airport will serve the full spectrum of aviation, from the lightest of private aircraft to heavy commercial traffic.

“The airport management is listening and improving arrangements for General Aviation will mean basing aircraft at or visiting Durham Tees Valley Airport as a portal to the North East for business or pleasure is getting both easier and more cost effective.

“It will mean a busier airport with a growing mix of private and commercial traffic which, with other developments, will help to secure the long term future of this vital facility for the people of Teesside.”

Another enthusiast for the new approach is Craig McLeod, head of Naljets, the North East based jet travel and aircraft management company, which provides services to major international clients across the world.

Craig said: “I am delighted that Durham Tees Valley wants to play an increasingly important role in the General Aviation sector which covers such a huge range of activities, from the individual or group owning a small private plan to companies such as ours, meeting the needs of major companies who often find themselves involved in projects in parts of the world where air services can be very limited.

“Whilst we operate on a global basis, Durham Tees Valley is one of the key bases for both our jet operations and our aerial photography business Airfotos.

“It offers excellent facilities and, with the new commitment to the sector, there is real potential for growth.”