Former North Yorkshire RAF base aims for daily London flights

Entrepreneur and pilot Chris Makin, who converted a former North Yorkshire RAF base into a commercial airport, is hoping to run daily flights to London by the end of 2015.

The base, located in Church Fenton, was closed in December 2013 by the Ministry of Defence, whomChris bought it off late last year and re-named the new airfield, Leeds East Airport.

The ambitious businessman, who aims to make a legitimate competitor to Leeds Bradford Airport, is also planning to open a flying training school, creating 100 jobs within the next five years.

The site, which covers almost 500 acres and has two runways, was built in the 1930s, and served as a fighter base during World War Two.

As reported by theBBC, Chris said: “London City airport would be an hour from here, we’re looking at a 25-seater maybe up to a 70-seater jet.”

“We’re looking at business customers mainly, so we can do a scheduled service on a daily frequency during the week.

“We’re very close to the A1 and very accessible and I think that’s a major attraction.”