Member Article

Blackpool Airport to close after no buyer found

Blackpool International Airport is set to close from 15 October after no buyer could be found for the business.

On its website, the Airport, which employs 110 people at its Squires Gate site, has issued a statement setting out its position. This says:

“We regret to announce that no agreement has been reached to secure the future of operations at Blackpool Airport. The airport operation has been making a loss for a number of years and unfortunately there is no option for the company other than to close.

This is a very sad day for the airport which has a proud aviation history and a loyal, appreciative customer following. We would like to thank all our dedicated staff who have delivered exceptional service to passengers for many years.

The airport will remain open to the public until 15 October 2014 and we will endeavour to maintain operations as normal until this date, after which time commercial flights will cease.

It is recommended that passengers contact their airline to confirm travel arrangements:

Jet2.com www.Jet2.com/info

Aer Lingus Regional +44 0871 718 5000 for UK or +353 0818 365 000 for Ireland

Citywing 0871 200 0440

While the sales process announced at the end of August was a final attempt to secure the future of the airport, the airport’s management had spent many months prior to this announcement approaching organisations with a potential interest in the airport in an attempt to find a buyer.

Work is currently underway with the independent aviation businesses and tenants at the airport to understand if their operations can continue in the future. Working in partnership with the local authorities, regeneration plans are also being developed which will be designed to create future employment and sustainable economic development opportunities for Blackpool and the Fylde Coast.“

The company has been running at a loss for several years, and despite efforts by Blackpool, Fylde and Lancashire County Councils to find ways to extend the local Enterprise Zone, no funding solution has been found within the time-frame.

Councillor John Jones, cabinet member for highways and transport, Blackpool Council said: “We’ve been in talks with the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership and I hope we can extend the enterprise zone. We’re concerned about the economy and jobs for people, and we will do whatever we can to support the employees.”

He added: “This is a very sad day for Blackpool, Blackpool Airport and, most importantly, the staff who work there. My thoughts are with all of those who are affected by this announcement, both directly and indirectly.We will, of course, offer any help we can to them.

“This does not necessarily mean the end of the line for aviation at Squires Gate and we are aware that interest remains in the airfield and the site.

“As a passenger-led airport it has lost money throughout its tenure, has not delivered inbound tourism and the jobs growth one would expect for the size of the site and neither Balfour Beatty or any other company appears to be able or minded to save it on that basis.

“The site undoubtedly does, however, have significant potential to deliver quality jobs, growth and, equally importantly, profit as a commercial airfield and helipad as other similar ventures around the country have.

“We continue to work and try to make that possible and will continue to be as open and frank as we can with the public as we have from the outset.

In a statement, flight operator Jet2 said it was “saddened and disappointed” by the news.

It said: “In order to minimise the disruption to our customers we have made the decision to move all flights scheduled to depart from and return to Blackpool Airport from Friday 10 October, to Manchester Airport instead.

“As an airline which has been committed to Blackpool for more than eight years we regret having to make this decision, but our priority is ensuring that the air travel plans of our customers are protected.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .